Lend vs. Borrow: A Complete English Lesson

Welcome to this comprehensive lesson on the difference between lend and borrow. Master this common confusion with clear explanations, practical examples, and interactive quizzes that will help you use these verbs correctly in everyday conversation.

Quick Definitions

Lend

To give something temporarily to someone else (giver's perspective)

I can lend you my book.

Borrow

To take/receive something temporarily from someone else (receiver's perspective)

Can I borrow your pen?

Simple Rule to Remember:

If Person A lends something to Person B → Person B borrows it from Person A.

The "Give / Get" Substitution Trick

This simple trick will help you choose the correct word every time:

Lend

equals

give (temporarily)

Borrow

equals

get (temporarily)

If "give" fits naturally → use lend.
If "get" fits naturally → use borrow.

Examples in Context

With "Lend"

I can lend you my charger. → I can give you my charger.
The bank will lend us money. → The bank will give us money.
Would you lend me your ear for a moment? → Would you give me your ear for a moment?

With "Borrow"

Can I borrow your notes? → Can I get your notes?
We need to borrow $500. → We need to get $500.
She wants to borrow my dress. → She wants to get my dress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong: "Can you borrow me your pen?"
Correct: "Can you lend me your pen?" or "Can I borrow your pen?"
Use to with lend: lend something to someone
Example: I lent my book to Maria.
Use from with borrow: borrow something from someone
Example: She borrowed a dress from her sister.

Practice Quizzes

Quiz 1: With "Give / Get" Hints

Use the substitution trick!

1 The library will books to students.

2 Can I your umbrella for a minute?

3 My sister wants to my headphones again.

4 Would you me a hand with this box?

5 I need to some money from my parents.

6 The company will equipment to the event team.

7 Can you me your calculator during the test?

8 He always tools from the neighbor.

Quiz 2: No Hints - Test Your Knowledge

Advanced level

1 Banks often money to people who need it.

2 May I your jacket? It's freezing!

3 She books from the public library every week.

4 Could you me your phone charger please?

5 I want to your camera for the weekend.

6 Friends sometimes each other clothes for parties.

7 He needs to a ladder to fix the roof.

8 The teacher will us her projector for the presentation.

Your Quiz Results

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Keep practicing to master lend vs. borrow!