Borrow vs Lend: Who Gives and Who Receives?
Borrow describes receiving something temporarily. Lend describes giving it temporarily with the expectation that it will be returned.
Clear Explanation
• Borrow something from someone.
• Lend something to someone.
• The object moves from the lender to the borrower.
• A bank lends money and a customer borrows it.
• Both verbs can describe the same exchange from different viewpoints.
Examples
Can I borrow your dictionary?
She lent the book to me.
The library lends materials that readers may borrow.
Quick Comparison
Common Mistake
Avoid borrow me your pen. Use lend me your pen or let me borrow your pen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the past tense of lend?
Lent.
What is the past tense of borrow?
Borrowed.
Which word describes the receiver?
Borrow describes receiving temporarily.