Different Words For Lend and Borrow

One difference between English and many other languages that often causes a problem is that English has two similar words ‘borrow’ and ‘lend’. The easiest way to understand the difference is ‘Borrow’ is like ‘Take’ and ‘Lend’ is like ‘Give’.

The Grammar

You can borrow something from someone. (You can take something from someone.)
You can lend something to someone. (You can give something to someone.)
You can lend somebody something. (You can give somebody something.)

Examples

I borrowed $10 from my best friend.
My best friend lent me $10.
Every week I lend my girlfriend my car.
Every week I lend my car to my girlfriend.
Every week my girlfriend borrows my car.

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