Borrow vs Lend: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Borrow = TAKE something temporarily (β receive)
Lend = GIVE something temporarily (β give)
Explanation
BORROW β (receive)
Take something from someone temporarily
borrow + something + from + person
"Can I borrow your car?"
"I borrowed $20 from my friend."
LEND β (give)
Give something to someone temporarily
lend + person + something
"Can you lend me your car?"
"She lent me $20."
Visual:
Person Aπβ lends ββ borrows βπPerson B
Memory tip: Borrow = Bring to me. Lend = Leave with you.
Examples
βCan I borrow your phone?
βCan you lend me your phone?
βI borrowed a book from the library.
βThe bank lent them money for a house.
βShe never lends her clothes to anyone.
βCan you borrow me your pen?
βI 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?"