Borrow vs. Lend

This time we're gonna talk about the differences between 'borrow' and 'lend'. Do you know anything about either? Let's go.

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words refer to the act of getting an object. However, when we use 'lend', we are giving someone something, and when we use 'borrow', we are taking something from someone. Note that in both cases, the item will be returned.

Differences

When we want to 'lend' someone something, it means that we are mainly giving someone something of ours. Check out the following examples:

I can lend you 70 bucks.

Unfortunately, Lana won't lend me anything anymore.

When we 'borrow' something from someone, we are getting that particular object from someone. Look at the following examples:

A : May I borrow this book for a week?

B : No.

The last time they borrowed a CD from me, they didn't return it back.

Similarities

In both cases, something is being exchanged and is expected to be returned after a short period of time. Check out the following examples:

Will I lend you my book? of course not.

What evidence do I have to provide so that you let me borrow the Bible?

Are They Interchageable?

Although they are used in similar contexts where an object is being exchanged, they can never be used interchangeably because the listener will get confused. Compare:

✓ When am I allowed to borrow the Xbox ?

Here, we are thinking about getting something from someone.

✓ When am I allowed to lend the Xbox?

Here, we are thinking about giving something away to someone for a while.

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