Can I borrow or can I lend?

Okay, so this “borrow” versus “lend” thing… it gets me every time! I mean, how many times have I mixed those up? Probably more than I care to admit. It’s like, you know what you mean, but the words just come out wrong. Ugh.

So, “borrow” means you’re on the receiving end, right? Like, say my friend Sarah has this amazing sparkly dress. And I desperately need it for a party. I borrow it from her. (And hopefully I don’t spill anything on it… that was one awkward conversation with another friend, let me tell you!)

“Lend,” on the other hand, means you’re the generous one. You’re giving something up – temporarily, of course! – for the benefit of someone else. Like, when my brother needed twenty bucks ’til payday? I lent it to him. (Still waiting on that twenty, by the way… maybe I should borrow some money from him! Just kidding… sort of.)

So, borrow from, lend to. Got it? Hopefully writing this out helps me remember it next time. Because honestly, this little word mix-up has caused enough confusion in my life! Don’t you think?