JoachimNoreiko at 10:39, 31 July 2007

2007-07-31T10:39:03Z

JoachimNoreiko: import from quarry

2007-03-13T13:39:13Z

import from quarry

New page

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 pedantic 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]]

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 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 pedantic 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?")
+(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]]

Borrow - lend - Revision history

JoachimNoreiko at 10:39, 31 July 2007

JoachimNoreiko: import from quarry