Borrow vs Lend: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Borrow = TAKE something temporarily (← receive)
Lend = GIVE something temporarily (→ give)
Explanation
BORROW ← (receive)
Take something from someone temporarily
borrow + something + from + person
"Can I borrow your car?"
"I borrowed $20 from my friend."
LEND → (give)
Give something to someone temporarily
lend + person + something
"Can you lend me your car?"
"She lent me $20."
Visual:
Person A📚→ lends →← borrows ←📚Person B
Memory tip: Borrow = Bring to me. Lend = Leave with you.
Examples
✔Can I borrow your phone?
✔Can you lend me your phone?
✔I borrowed a book from the library.
✔The bank lent them money for a house.
✔She never lends her clothes to anyone.
✘Can you borrow me your pen?
✘I lent a book from the library.
Common Mistake
Incorrect: Can you borrow me $10?
(You cannot "borrow someone" something)
Correct: Can you lend me $10?
Also correct: Can I borrow $10 from you?
Verb Forms
| Base | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| borrow | borrowed | borrowed |
| lend | lent | lent |
Practice
Fill in with "borrow" or "lend":
"I forgot my umbrella. Could you _____ me yours?"