Lend and borrow

Form

to borrow something (from someone)
to lend something to someone
to lend someone something

Functions and examples

1. We use borrow to say that we take something temporarily with the intention of returning it.
Can I borrow your car?
She borrowed $100 from her father.


2. We use lend to say that we give something temporarily with the intention of having it returned.
Can you lend me your car?
Her father lent her $100.
Her father lent $100 to his daughter.

Teaching Lend and borrow

  I make a list of objects on the board and ask students if they would be prepared to lend them to someone special, to someone they don't know very well, or if they wouldn't ever lend the object to anyone. Give reasons.

Your toothbrush
Your umbrella
A book you read and loved
Your mobile phone
Your car
Your boyfriend (joke!)
Your notes on a topic for exam preparation (they are the result of many hours of hard work!)
Your camera
Your favourite outfit

Delia

  I use "would you...?" and "can I...?" questions. Students are asked to complete the structure using borrow and lend + noun, then take turns using the structures with a partner. After this, I get students to generate the rule for using "borrow" and "lend"; i.e. borrow - to take, lend - to give.
Mya

  I normally tell students to write down a few sentences using the lend and borrow. After correction of the sentences, I give them a situation they have to roleplay. Try giving them awkward situations. For example, reasons why they can't lend something to another student!
Liz

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