What is borrow? Pronunciation and usage in English

borrow means . Learn how to pronounce and use borrow through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of borrow

borrowverb

/ˈbɒrəʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of borrow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "borrow" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here’s a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbɒroʊ/ (rhymes with "toe" or "go")

Let’s break that down syllable by syllable:

  • “bor”: This is pronounced like the word “bore” (as in, “a boring movie”). The "o" sound is a short, slightly rounded "o."
  • “row”: This is pronounced like "row" as in "rowing a boat". It's a long "o" sound, but it's held a bit longer than you might think.

Here's a more detailed guide:

  1. Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("bor"). That’s why it sounds like "toe" or "go."

  2. "o" sounds: Both syllables use an "o" sound. The second "o" is a longer, more prominent vowel than the first.

  3. Smooth Transition: The tricky part is the smooth transition between the “bor” and “row.” Don't let them sound choppy.

Resources to help you hear it:

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "bur-row": This is a very common mistake! It's based on the word "burrow" (like a rabbit's hole). The "r" sound is silent in "borrow."
  • "bow-row": Similar to “bur-row”, incorrect vowel sounds.

To practice, say the word out loud multiple times, focusing on the stressed syllable and the smooth transition.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Compare this pronunciation to another variation (though it's less common)?

Usage and examples with the word borrow in English

Let's break down how to use the word "borrow" in English. It's a seemingly simple word, but it has a specific meaning and a few important nuances.

1. Core Meaning: To Receive Something Temporarily

At its heart, "borrow" means to receive something from someone with the understanding that you will return it to them later. It's a temporary loan.

  • Example: "Can I borrow your pen?" (You want to use the pen temporarily, and promise to give it back.)
  • Example: "I borrowed a book from the library." (You took the book for a limited time.)

2. Grammar – It’s a Transitive Verb

This is crucial! "Borrow" is a transitive verb. This means it requires an object. You don't just "borrow." You borrow something.

  • Incorrect: “I borrowed.”
  • Correct: “I borrowed a book.” “I borrowed your coat.”

3. The Opposite: “Lend”

“Borrow” is the opposite of “lend.” Understanding this relationship helps a lot.

  • Borrow: To receive something temporarily.

  • Lend: To give something to someone temporarily.

  • Example: "I borrowed your car." "You lent me your car."

4. Common Phrases & Usage

  • Borrow time: To delay something until a later date. ("I’ll borrow you some time to finish your report.")
  • Borrow trouble: To do something risky that could lead to problems. ("Don't borrow money you can't repay.")
  • Borrow interest (often used figuratively): To benefit from someone else’s ideas or success. ("She borrowed interest from his innovative marketing strategies.")

5. Distinguishing from "Take"

Often, "borrow" and "take" can sound similar. The key difference lies in the intent to return:

  • Take: Implies taking something permanently or without intending to return it. ("I took your phone – I accidentally grabbed it.")
  • Borrow: Implies taking something temporarily with the intention of returning it. ("I borrowed your phone – I’ll give it back in an hour.")

Here's a table to summarize:

Word Meaning Requires Object? Implies Returning?
Borrow To receive temporarily Yes Yes
Lend To give temporarily Yes Yes
Take To simply acquire Usually No

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "borrow"? (e.g., Are you writing a sentence, having a conversation, etc.?)
  • Are there any specific situations you’d like to know how to use “borrow” in? (e.g., asking for something, explaining a situation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word borrow

Idioms of the word borrow

be (living) on borrowed time
to still be alive after the time when you were expected to die
  • He’s been living on borrowed time ever since his last heart attack.
to be doing something that other people are likely to soon stop you from doing
  • According to the latest opinion polls, the government is living on borrowed time.

Practice with vocabulary borrow

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Can I ______ your pen for a moment? I forgot mine at home.
  2. She decided to ______ some money from her friend to buy the book.
  3. I need to ______ my laptop to the office for the meeting tomorrow.
  4. He asked if he could ______ my notes to study for the exam.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word means to temporarily use something that belongs to someone else?
    a) lend
    b) borrow
    c) steal
    d) return

  2. What should you do if you need to use your colleague’s stapler?
    a) buy
    b) borrow
    c) sell
    d) keep

  3. Which word is not a synonym of "borrow"?
    a) take
    b) lend
    c) use
    d) request

  4. What is the best way to politely ask for something temporarily?
    a) "Can I borrow your calculator?"
    b) "Can I take your calculator?"
    c) "Can I keep your calculator?"
    d) "Can I sell your calculator?"

  5. Which word means to give something for temporary use?
    a) borrow
    b) lend
    c) return
    d) exchange

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She asked if she could use my umbrella for the afternoon.
  2. Can I take your laptop for the presentation?
  3. He requested to use my car for the weekend.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. borrow
  2. borrow
  3. take
  4. borrow

Exercise 2:

  1. b) borrow
  2. b) borrow
  3. b) lend
  4. a) "Can I borrow your calculator?"
  5. b) lend

Exercise 3:

  1. She asked if she could borrow my umbrella for the afternoon.
  2. Can I borrow your laptop for the presentation?
  3. He requested to borrow my car for the weekend.

Comment ()