BORROW vs LEND – What’s the difference? These two verbs are often confused. Here's a quick explanation to help you use them correctly: ✅ BORROW – to take something from someone for a short time You get it. Examples: Can I borrow your pen? I borrowed a book from the library. *Quick tip: You borrow from someone. You lend to someone. Examples: I borrowed money from my friend. My friend lent money to me. She borrowed my umbrella. ✅ LEND – to give something to someone for a short time You give it. Examples: I can lend you my pen. The library lent me a book. He lent his umbrella to her.