Let’s be honest, sometimes English can be confusing. Sometimes when learning English it is easy to mix up words or be unsure when to use them.
I often hear German speakers who are learning English make mistakes with the words ‘borrow’ and ‘lend’.
Take a look at the examples below. Hopefully they will make things clearer for you.
To borrow is a verb and it means to take something (with permission!) for a certain and limited period of time.
You can borrow money from a bank to buy a house.
You can borrow a book from a library.
You can borrow objects from people.
E.g. “I borrowed some money from a friend last week and I need to pay it back by Friday.”
“I’ve lost my phone. Can I borrow yours? I need to make a quick call.”
To lend is a verb and it means to give or to hand out for a certain and limited period of time.
Libraries lend books.
Banks lend money.
E.g. “ A friend lent me some money last week and I need to pay it back by Friday.”
“When I lost my phone a friend lent me their phone so I could make a quick call.”
Have fun learning English!
Louise