borrow/lend, bring/take
Direction matters: who gives, who receives, which way things move.
The rules
- You BORROW from someone (receive); they LEND to you (give).
- The giver lends: "the bank lends us money".
- "Bring" = movement towards the speaker; "take" = away from the speaker.
- Away from where you are now → "take": "taking the kids to school".
- "Since" + starting point; "for" + duration ("for eight years").
- Duration takes "for", and unfinished time needs present perfect: "have been here for".
- "Borrow FROM" the source, never "borrow to".
Examples
- Could I borrow your pen for a second?
- The bank agreed to lend us the money.
- Bring some snacks when you come.
- I'm taking the kids to school on my way to work.
- She has lived here since 2015.
- I have been here for two hours.
- I borrowed a book from the library.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Could I _____ your pen for a second?
2.The bank agreed to _____ us the money.
3.You are at home, inviting a friend over. Which is correct?
4.I'm _____ the kids to school on my way to work.
5.She has lived here _____ 2015.