“Borrow” means to take something from someone for a time; “lend” means to give something to someone for a time. The only difference is the direction: “I borrow a book from you, you lend a book to me.”
borrow or lend — can you pick the right one?
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borrow + something + from + person; lend + person + something; lend + something + to + person
- Can I borrow your phone charger for an hour?
- My sister lent me her car while mine was being repaired.
- Students can borrow up to five books from the library at a time.
What changed
First versionCould you borrow me your notes from yesterday's lecture?
RevisionCould you lend me your notes from yesterday's lecture?
“Borrow” and “lend” describe the same exchange from opposite sides, so you have to choose the direction. The notes should go to the speaker, which means the other person gives them: “lend me”.
The same request can be made from either side: “Can I borrow your notes?” and “Can you lend me your notes?” It's the same with money: a bank lends money, and a customer borrows money from the bank.
Your turn
I forgot my wallet. Could I ___ some money from you until tomorrow?
Show the answer
borrow — The speaker is the one taking the money, and “from you” shows who it comes from. Only “borrow” fits this pattern; “lend” works in the opposite direction: “lend me some money”.
Think of something you once borrowed from someone. Say what it was, who you borrowed it from and why.
Last summer I borrowed a tent from my colleague because we wanted to go camping in the mountains.
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