Lend vs. Loan
The rule “loan is not a verb” is obsolete. Oxford records “loan” as a verb, especially North American for lending money and also in British museum/object contexts, while “lend” remains the general verb.
“Lend” is the general verb for giving something temporarily with the expectation of return. “Loan” is also an accepted verb, especially in North American English and especially for money; British English also uses it for lending valuable objects to institutions.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| general verb for giving something temporarily | lend | Use the broad, region-neutral verb. |
| North American use, especially money | loan | The verb is standard in this regional use. |
| British institutional lending of a valuable object | loan | Oxford also records this specialized British use. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Do you want the broadest general verb for giving something temporarily?
If yes: Use “lend.”
If no: “Loan” is also a valid verb in documented regional and institutional uses.
Caveat: Do not repeat the old prescription that “loan” can only be a noun; modern dictionaries record it as a verb.
Examples
Could you lend me the adapter for an hour?
“Lend” is the general temporary-giving verb.
The bank agreed to loan the company the money.
Oxford records verbal “loan” especially in North American English and especially for money.
The collection was loaned to the museum for the exhibition.
Oxford also records institutional object-lending uses of verbal “loan.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the broad, region-neutral verb.
Fast Test
Use “lend.” “Loan” is also a valid verb in documented regional and institutional uses.
Usage Boundary
Do not repeat the old prescription that “loan” can only be a noun; modern dictionaries record it as a verb.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- lend (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Lend is the general verb for giving something temporarily with the expectation of return.
- loan (verb) (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Loan as a verb is especially North American for lend, particularly money, and also has a British museum/object-lending use.