Conjugation of "Borrow" — All Forms, Examples, and Usage
To take something that belongs to someone else with the intention of returning it later.
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All 12 Tenses of "Borrow"
Quick reference table — every tense form of "borrow" with the first-person example and a link to the grammar guide for that tense.
| Tense | Example (I) | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | I borrow |
Used for habits, facts, routines, and permanent situations. Full rule → |
| Simple Past | I borrowed |
Used for completed actions at a specific time in the past. Full rule → |
| Simple Future | I will borrow |
Used for predictions, decisions made at the moment, and promises. Full rule → |
| Present Continuous | I am borrowing |
Used for actions happening right now or temporary situations. Full rule → |
| Past Continuous | I was borrowing |
Used for actions in progress at a specific moment in the past. Full rule → |
| Future Continuous | I will be borrowing |
Used for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect | I have borrowed |
Used for past actions with present relevance, life experiences, or unfinished situations. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect | I had borrowed |
Used for an action that was completed before another past action. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect | I will have borrowed |
Used for an action that will be completed before a specific future time. Full rule → |
| Present Perfect Continuous | I have been borrowing |
Used for actions that started in the past and continue now, with focus on duration. Full rule → |
| Past Perfect Continuous | I had been borrowing |
Used for ongoing actions in the past that continued up to another past moment. Full rule → |
| Future Perfect Continuous | I will have been borrowing |
Used for actions that will have been ongoing up until a specific future time. Full rule → |
Past Tense of "Borrow" — Borrowed
The past simple of "borrow" is "borrowed" — formed by adding "-ed". Use it for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past, such as "yesterday", "last week", or "in 2020". For the full grammar of this tense, see our simple past tense guide.
- She borrowed money from the bank to buy her first house. B1
Past Participle of "Borrow" — Borrowed
The past participle of "borrow" is "borrowed" — the same form as the past simple, since "borrow" is a regular verb. Use it after "have/has/had" for perfect tenses ("I have borrowed") and after "be" for passive voice ("It was borrowed").
- She borrowed money from the bank to buy her first house. B1
Is "Borrow" Regular or Irregular?
"Borrow" is a regular English verb. Its past simple and past participle are both formed by adding "-ed" to give "borrowed". The 3rd-person singular present is "borrows" and the gerund/present participle is "borrowing".
Conjugation pattern: regular -ed
How to Pronounce "Borrow" and Its Forms
Borrow: /ˈbɑːroʊ/ — Stress pattern: Oo
First vowel is /ɑː/ (like 'ah' in 'father'); second syllable is unstressed /oʊ/ like 'oh'. Stress first syllable.
Common mispronunciation of "borrow"
Some learners pronounce it /ˈbɔːroʊ/ with the first vowel like 'or'; it should be /ˈbɑːroʊ/ like 'ah'.
Syllable breakdown: bor · row
How to Use "Borrow" — Common Grammar Patterns
Use this verb when you take something temporarily and plan to return it; remember you borrow FROM a person.
S + borrow + O + from + NPS + borrow + O
Example Sentences with "Borrow" in Different Tenses
- Simple Present: Can I borrow your pen for a moment? A2
- Simple Past: She borrowed money from the bank to buy her first house. B1
Common Collocations with "Borrow"
- borrow money
- borrow from the bank
- borrow a book
- borrow clothes
- borrow someone's car
When to Use "Borrow" vs Similar Verbs
"borrow" vs "lend"
Opposite meanings: you borrow FROM someone, but you lend TO someone.
Smart synonyms — when to use each one
- loan — formal term commonly used for financial borrowing from
- rent — when paying a fee to temporarily use something
- take temporarily — general phrase for any short-term use of someone
Antonyms: lend, return
Common Mistakes with "Borrow"
-
Wrong: She borrow often.
Correct: She borrows often.
Add "s" to the verb when the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it).
Origin and Etymology of "Borrow"
From Old English 'borgian' (to borrow); related to Germanic root meaning 'pledge' or 'surety'.
Borrowing is a common social practice; borrowing between friends or from libraries is normal in many English-speaking communities.
Other Forms of "Borrow"
- Noun: borrower
Conjugation Tables for "Borrow"
Negative Forms
- Simple present: I do not borrow · He does not borrow
- Simple past: I did not borrow · She did not borrow
- Present perfect: I have not borrowed · He has not borrowed
Question Forms
- Simple present: Do you borrow? · Does he borrow?
- Simple past: Did you borrow?
- Present perfect: Have you borrowed?
Passive Voice (where applicable)
- Simple present passive: It is borrowed
- Simple past passive: It was borrowed
- Present perfect passive: It has been borrowed
Frequently Asked Questions About "Borrow"
- Is "borrow" regular or irregular?
- "borrow" is a regular verb. Add -ed for past simple and past participle: "borrowed".
- What is the past tense of "borrow"?
- The simple past of "borrow" is "borrowed".
- When do I use simple present vs present continuous with "borrow"?
- Use simple present for habits, facts, and routines: "I borrow every day." Use present continuous for actions happening right now: "I am borrowing right now."