View source for Borrow - lend

In ordinary [[spoken English]], in many British [[dialect]]s, including that of Hull, these two are used interchangeably. In academic English, use them in the distinct and separate meanings called 'correct' - in the sense that to '''borrow''' is to take something for a short period of time; and to '''lend''' is to give something, temporarily. 

There is as much difference between '''lending''' and '''borrowing''' as there is between '''buying''' and '''selling''' - which people do not confuse!  The difference in both cases is one of the direction of the transaction.

The owner of something '''lends '''it <u>to</u> the '''borrower'''. Someone who does not own something may '''borrow''' it <u>from</u> the owner.

(It infuriates [[pedant]]ic teachers when pupils say, "Can I lend one of your pens please?"  A person cannot <strike>lend</strike> someone else's property. The pupil wants to '''borrow''' the teacher's pen - that is, to have the temporary use of it. The sarcastic teacher's reply is "Yes. Who do you want to lend it to?" - or if he is a real pedant, "To [[whom]] do you want to lend it?")

[[Category:Usage]]
[[Category:Dialect]]