‘Lended' or 'Lent': What's the Difference Between the Two?

Should you say you ‘lended’ someone something or ‘lent’ someone something? We can help you make the right choice in your writing, plus teach you how to use the correct word in a sentence.

The short answer is that ‘lended’ is not a word. ‘Lent’ is the past tense of ‘lend.’ Therefore, you should never use ‘lended’ in any context.

‘Lended’ or ‘Lent’ – Which is Correct?

We just briefly discussed how ‘lended’ is not a recognized word in the English language. However, ‘lent’ is a word and it’s the past tense conjugation of the word ‘lend.’

Therefore, you should only use ‘lent’ and never ‘lended.’

What is the Difference Between ‘Loan,’ ‘Lend,’ and ‘Loaned’

• The word ‘loan’ means ‘money lent at interest’ or ‘the grant of temporary use.’
• The word ‘loaned’ is the past tense conjugation of ‘loan.’

Now, let’s take a look at what ‘lend’ means.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Lent’

Since ‘lent’ is the past tense conjugation of ‘lend,’ we’ll define the word ‘lend’ to get a better understanding of it and so that you know how to use it in a sentence later.

The Merriam-Webster definition of the word ‘lend’ is: “to give for temporary use on condition that the same or its equivalent be returned,” “to put at another’s temporary disposal,” “to let out (money) for temporary use on condition of repayment with interest,” “to give the assistance or support of: afford, furnish,” “to adapt or apply (oneself) readily: accommodate.”

As an intransitive verb, it means: “to make a loan.”

How to Use the Word 'Lent' in a Sentence

Now that you know what the word means let’s look at a few examples of how to use it in a sentence.

• I lent you my bike last week. When am I going to get it back?
• Were you going to pay back the money she lent you?
• The bank lent me $5,000 to open a business. What should I do first?
• My brother lent me his manga books this weekend. I can’t wait to dive in.
• This is worse than when I lent my brother-in-law money. I never got that back.
• I lent you my adapter, but I need it back now. I’m going on a trip.

Remember, it’s never okay to use ‘lended’ because it’s not a recognized word in the English language. It's never acceptable to use.

Concluding Thoughts on ‘Lended’ and ‘Lent’ 

Now that you know that ‘lended’ is not a word, you know not to use it in any context. You also know that ‘lent’ is the past tense conjugation of ‘lend.’ We’ve already covered the definition and meaning, and you’ve seen examples of how to use it in a sentence.

If you ever forget how to use it or are unsure of the correct spelling, you can always come back for a visit.

We’ve also got a whole library of content dedicated to explaining confusing words and phrases you might encounter as you’re learning the language.