What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
borrow
Example
Can I borrow your pen? I need to write something. [borrow: verb]
Example
She borrowed a book from the library for her research. [borrowed: past tense]
rent
Example
They decided to rent a car for their road trip. [rent: verb]
Example
The monthly rent for the apartment is quite expensive. [rent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rent is more commonly used than borrow in everyday language. Rent is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, such as renting a car, apartment, or equipment. Borrow, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in informal situations among friends, family, or acquaintances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between borrow and rent?
While borrow is generally associated with a casual and informal tone, rent can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Rent is often used in professional settings and legal agreements, making it more formal than borrow.
