tr.v. loaned, loan·ing, loans Usage Problem
To lend.
The verb loan is well established in American usage and cannot be considered incorrect. The frequent objections to the form by American grammarians may have originated from a provincial deference to British critics, who long ago labeled the usage a typical Americanism. Loan is, however, used to describe only physical transactions, as of money or goods; for figurative transactions, lend is correct: Distance lends enchantment. The allusions lend the work a classical tone.
joefish25, well…I did say “grammar curmudgeon.”
I should have mentioned that I also have a provincial deference to British critics.
“Loaned” sounds better than “lent” in most cases, but usually “lend” sounds better than “loan.” However, I will never again correct someone for using “loan” as a verb.
Actually, I don’t have taxes with held from the retirement income either. I feel sorry for those who are paying taxes so all the LEACHES out there can get their welfare.
leakysqueaky712 almost 14 years ago
And the goat is in the garden!!!
ksoskins almost 14 years ago
Once again senior citizens are called upon to rescue the economy.
GROG Premium Member almost 14 years ago
Sorry. My retirement fund isn’t worth a plug nickel.
Ray_C almost 14 years ago
“Loan” is a noun. “Lend” is the verb you seek. Signed, The Grammar Curmudgeon
joefish25 almost 14 years ago
According to Webster (he was smart!) …
tr.v. loaned, loan·ing, loans Usage Problem To lend.
The verb loan is well established in American usage and cannot be considered incorrect. The frequent objections to the form by American grammarians may have originated from a provincial deference to British critics, who long ago labeled the usage a typical Americanism. Loan is, however, used to describe only physical transactions, as of money or goods; for figurative transactions, lend is correct: Distance lends enchantment. The allusions lend the work a classical tone.
Larry Miller Premium Member almost 14 years ago
“Friends, Romans, countrymen, loan me your ears…”
Ok, I agree with joefish but don’t go messin’ with well-known stuff.
Ray_C almost 14 years ago
joefish25, well…I did say “grammar curmudgeon.” I should have mentioned that I also have a provincial deference to British critics. “Loaned” sounds better than “lent” in most cases, but usually “lend” sounds better than “loan.” However, I will never again correct someone for using “loan” as a verb.
Yukoneric almost 14 years ago
Glad I have one retirement account that has money, because my day job doesn’t pay enough for me to pay income tax.
Yukoneric almost 14 years ago
Actually, I don’t have taxes with held from the retirement income either. I feel sorry for those who are paying taxes so all the LEACHES out there can get their welfare.
worldisacomic almost 14 years ago
I loan your bank every time I use your atm!
bald almost 14 years ago
heck no i wont loan or lend you any money.
my tax dollars already bailed your banks , i won’t do it again