Error spotting — Choose the erroneous part (A/B/C) or D if correct: 'Can I lend / your pencil / for a minute, please? / No error.' Test correct verb choice 'lend' vs 'borrow' in polite requests and provide a clear, SEO-optimized correction.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ACan I lend
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Byour pencil
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Cfor a minute, please?
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DNo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: Can I lend
Explanation
Given data
- A: Can I lend
- B: your pencil
- C: for a minute, please?
- D: No error.
Concept/Approach (lend vs. borrow)Lend = give temporarily; borrow = receive temporarily. A speaker who wants to use the listener's pencil should ask, 'Can I borrow your pencil?' not 'lend'.
Step-by-step correctionReplace A: 'Can I lend' → 'Can I borrow'.Corrected sentence: 'Can I borrow your pencil for a minute, please?'
Common pitfallsConfusing the point of view of the giver vs. the receiver.
Final AnswerA — Use 'Can I borrow …?'