Do you know the difference between borrowing and lending?
It is easy to mix up the words "borrow" and "lend" because they are very confusing.If you want to take something that belongs to someone else, you can borrow it orlend it.It will be easier to tell the words apart with practice.
Step 1: If you want to take something, ask to borrow it.
If someone has something that you need, ask to borrow it.You need to use the item temporarily and then give it back.You could say, for example, "Can I borrow your pencil?" or "I need to borrow $50."
Step 2: You can let someone borrow something from you.
People can borrow from you.If you have an item that someone else wants, they will ask if they can borrow it.Tell them if they can take the item.Your friend might say, "I'm cold."They are taking your jacket, so "borrow" is the correct word.
Step 3: When an action occurred in the past, say "borrowed".
If you were given permission to take something in the past, use borrowed.You could say, "Yesterday I borrowed a pencil from Amy," or "You borrowed my jacket and I need it back."
Step 4: If "borrow" is the correct word, substitute "take" for it.
It's easy to figure out if "borrow" is the right word to use.If it makes sense, borrow is the correct word to use.You want to use your friend's sweater.If you say, "Can I borrow your sweater", you'll know to use "lend" in your sentence.It's confusing to say, will you take me $5 for lunch?It makes sense to say, "Will you lend me $5 for lunch?"
Step 5: Give something to someone else if you can.
If someone wants to use something with your permission, lend it to them.You are the giver and not the receiver in this case.You could say, "I can lend you $10."
Step 6: You should ask someone to lend you an item.
It's important to remember that giving something means lending it.If you want someone to give you something, ask them to lend it to you.Since they are doing the action, make sure the other person is the subject of your sentence.Can you lend me $5 for lunch?
Step 7: When the action occurred in the past, use "lent".
If someone gave you something in the past, say "lent" instead of "lend."You could say, "He lent me his jacket," or "You lent him your book."
Step 8: Make sure the word "lend" is the right word.
You temporarily give something to someone else when you lend it.If you substitute "Give" in your sentence, you can easily check if "lend" is the right word.Use the word "Give" to make sure your sentence sounds right.If you say "I'll lend you my book", you should change the word to "borrow" because it doesn't make sense.