What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lend
Example
Can you lend me your pen for a moment? [lend: verb]
Example
I'm happy to lend a hand if you need help moving. [lend: verb]
Example
The library will lend books to anyone with a valid ID. [lend: verb]
loan
Example
I need to take out a loan to buy a car. [loan: noun]
Example
Can you loan me your umbrella for the day? [loan: verb]
Example
My neighbor loaned me their lawnmower for the weekend. [loaned: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lend is more common in everyday language, while loan is more common in financial and legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lend and loan?
Loan is more formal than lend and is often used in legal or financial contexts, while lend is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
