Miss Adelina

Hi,

I would like to know an easier way to explain the difference between Borrow and lend, because it´s very difficult to me to explain it, when the teacher asks me why am I using borrow instead of lend. I know that borrow needs an object, that answer the question what and lend needs an indirect object + a direct object that answers who, But When I try to do it I get lost.

[izabela]

Miss Adelina,

You borrow something from somebody, but lend something to somebody.

When you borrow, you are the receiver, for example

I did not have any money, so I had to borrow $50 from my brother.

When you lend, you are the giver and someone else is the receiver, for example

My brother did not have any money, so I lent him $50.

Another example, combining the two:

I borrowed a book from the library and then I lent it to my friend for a day.

Hope it hepls,
Iza

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by aguilerava

Hi,

I would like to know an easier way to explain the difference between Borrow and lend, because it´s very difficult to me to explain it, when the teacher asks me why am I using borrow instead of lend. I know that borrow needs an object, that answer the question what and lend needs an indirect object + a direct object that answers who, But When I try to do it I get lost.

As additional information,

When you bring your hands towards yourself, you borrow.
When you send your hands outwards, away from yourself, you lend.

EX: I'd like to borrow your pencil. (hands in, towards yourself) <=take
EX: I'd like to lend you my book. (hands out, away from yourself) => give

Also,

If the object doesn't belong to you, it's borrowed.
EX: I borrowed this pencil from Max. It's a borrowed pencil.

If the object belongs to you, but it's missing, it's lent out.
EX: I don't have my book. I lent (gave) it to Max. Max borrowed (took) it. It's lent out.

Lastly, to thank someone use,

EX: I borrowed (took) this. Thank you for lending (giving) it to me.