Compare temporary use with and without payment.
The idea
Borrow means take something temporarily and return it; it often involves no payment. Rent means pay to use something temporarily.
| Verb | Typical use |
|---|---|
| borrow | take temporarily, often for free |
| rent | pay to use temporarily |
Examples
- I borrowed a pencil from my neighbour for free.
- You can borrow this book without paying.
- We borrowed chairs from the school at no cost.
- They rented a car for the weekend.
- I rent a small room each month.
- The shop rents bicycles by the hour.
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Watch out
Do not confuse borrow with lend: the borrower receives the object, while the lender gives it.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct word. My neighbour will let me ___ an umbrella for free. (borrow / rent)
Show answer or example answer
borrow
borrow: the neighbour charges nothing for the umbrella.
Choose the correct word. We pay to ___ a boat for one day. (borrow / rent)
Show answer or example answer
rent
rent: the fee pays for a day with the boat.
Choose the correct word. Can I ___ your tool for free and return it tomorrow? (borrow / rent)
Show answer or example answer
borrow
borrow: the tool is free and must be returned.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct word. My neighbour will let me ___ an umbrella for free. (borrow / rent)
Choose the correct word. We pay to ___ a boat for one day. (borrow / rent)
Choose the correct word. Can I ___ your tool for free and return it tomorrow? (borrow / rent)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe one thing you borrow for free and one thing you rent.