Key Difference

• “Borrow” is used when you take something from someone temporarily.
• “Lend” is used when you give something to someone temporarily.

Think of it this way:

• “Borrow” = to take something from someone
• “Lend” = to give something to someone

1. “Borrow”

Definition: “Borrow” means to take something from someone else with the understanding that you will return it.

Examples:

• “Can I borrow your pen?” (You’re asking to take the pen for a while and return it later.)
• “She borrowed a book from the library.” (She took a book from the library temporarily.)

Key Point: When you borrow something, you are on the receiving end—you’re taking it from someone.

2. “Lend”

Definition: “Lend” means to give something to someone else with the expectation that it will be returned.

Examples:

• “I’ll lend you my notebook.” (You are giving your notebook to someone, and they’ll give it back to you later.)
• “The bank lent him money to buy a car.” (The bank gave him money temporarily.)

Key Point: When you lend something, you are on the giving end—you’re giving it to someone else.

Visual Aid 🎨

Imagine a library:

• You borrow a book from the library (you take it from them).
• The library lends you the book (they give it to you).

Common Mistakes and Tips 💡

• ❌ Incorrect: “Can you borrow me a pencil?”
  ✅ Correct: “Can you lend me a pencil?” (Here, you’re asking them to give you a pencil.)
• ❌ Incorrect: “I will borrow him my phone.”
  ✅ Correct: “I will lend him my phone.” (Here, you’re saying you will give your phone to him temporarily.)

Practice Time 📝

Fill in the blanks with “borrow” or “lend”:

1. Can I _______ your phone charger for a few minutes?
2. She asked her friend to _______ her a book.
3. The teacher will _______ markers to the students during class.
4. I need to _______ some money from the bank to buy a house.

Answers:

1. Can I borrow your phone charger for a few minutes?
2. She asked her friend to lend her a book.
3. The teacher will lend markers to the students during class.
4. I need to borrow some money from the bank to buy a house.