Can you lend me a pencil, please?

Meaning: Asking someone to temporarily give you their pencil so you can use it and return it later.

Choice of Words: Lend means to give something to someone with the expectation of getting it back. Pencil is a common writing instrument. When combined, "Can you lend me a pencil" is a polite request for someone to temporarily give you a pencil.

Alternative Expressions

Could you please pass me that pencil?

Meaning: This means to ask someone to hand you a pencil.

Choice of Words: Could is a more formal way of asking for something than can. You refers to the person being asked. Please is a polite way to ask for something. Pass means to hand something to someone. Me refers to the person asking. That refers to the pencil. Pencil is a writing tool.

I need to borrow a pencil. Can I have yours?

Meaning: This means to ask someone if you can borrow their pencil.

Choice of Words: I refers to the person asking. Need means to require something. To is used before a verb. Borrow means to take something from someone with the understanding that you will return it later. A is used before a singular noun. Pencil is a writing tool. Can shows possibility or permission. I refers to the person asking. Have means to possess something. Yours refers to the pencil belonging to the person being asked.

Related Expressions