Loan vs Lend
What’s the difference between them?
Loan
Meaning:
A loan is an amount of money that is borrowed and expected to be paid back with interest over a set period of time.
Examples:
1. I took out a loan to buy a car.
2. She couldn't afford the house without a loan.
3. The bank gave him a loan to start his business.
Lend
Meaning:
To give something to someone temporarily, expecting that it will be returned.
Examples:
1. My aunt was kind enough to lend me her car for the weekend.
2. Could you lend me a pen?
3. She was willing to lend a hand with the project.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Loan
1. Credit
2. Financing
3. Advance
4. Mortgage
5. Borrowing
1. Payback
2. Repay
3. Retrieve
4. Reclaim
5. Reverse Transaction
Lend
1. Loan
2. Lend out
3. Proffer
4. Bestow
5. Grant
1. Borrow
2. Withhold
3. Repay
4. Seize
5. Deny Access
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Loan", "Lend".
1. Remember that you 'loan' money and you 'lend' an object.
2. When speaking, it can be helpful to use the phrase 'I will loan you the money' or 'I will lend you the book' in order to keep the distinction clear.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'loan' be used?
Loan should be used when referring to an amount of money that has been borrowed and is expected to be paid back with interest over a set period of time.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'lend'?
The word ‘lend’ should be used when referring to the giving of something to someone temporarily, expecting that it will be returned.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words have a slight difference in pronunciation. The word ‘loan’ rhymes with ‘cone’, while the word ‘lend’ rhymes with ‘send’.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake people make when using the words loan and lend is confusing the two words. Loan is a noun, referring to money that is borrowed, while lend is a verb, referring to the action of giving something temporarily. Additionally, another mistake people may make when using these words is confusing the spelling of loan and l-e-n-d.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. I needed to buy a car, so I took out a _______ for the amount I needed.
2. My friends are always _______ing me books to read.
3. When I go on vacation, I like to _______ my car to my family.
4. Banks _______ money to people who need financial assistance.
5. I _______ my brother money a few months ago and he still hasnt paid me back.
6. _______ing money to a friend can cause tension in a relationship.
1. I needed to buy a car, so I took out a Loan for the amount I needed.
Explanation: A loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower in which the borrower receives a sum of money (the principal) that they must pay back, usually with interest, over a designated period of time.
2. My friends are always Lending me books to read.
Explanation: To lend is to temporarily give something to another person, such as money or an object, in exchange for a promise that it will be returned.
3. When I go on vacation, I like to Lend my car to my family.
Explanation: To lend is to temporarily give something to another person, such as money or an object, in exchange for a promise that it will be returned.
4. Banks Loan money to people who need financial assistance.
Explanation: A loan is an agreement between a lender and a borrower in which the borrower receives a sum of money (the principal) that they must pay back, usually with interest, over a designated period of time.
5. I loaned my brother money a few months ago and he still hasnt paid me back.
Explanation: To loan is to give some money to someone, expecting for a pay back.
6. Loaning money to a friend can cause tension in a relationship.
Explanation: To loan is to give some money to someone, expecting for a pay back.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.