“Lent” is the correct past tense of “lend.”
“Lended” is almost always wrong in modern English and should not be used.
Now let’s explain everything step-by-step in the simplest possible way
Many English learners get confused between lended and lent because both look like they could be the past tense of the verb lend, which means “to give something temporarily.”
Some people assume adding “-ed” makes past tense — and usually that’s true — but not for this verb.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What each word means
- Which one is correct
- How to use the right word every time
- Common mistakes
- Easy memory tricks
- Examples anyone (even a 4th grader) can understand
By the end, you’ll never be confused again
All have been naturally integrated throughout the article.
📘 What Does Each Word Mean?
1. “Lent” — The Correct Word
Part of speech: Verb (simple past tense of lend)
Meaning: You gave something to someone temporarily.
Easy Examples
- I lent my pencil to Ali.
- She lent me her book for one day.
- Dad lent money to Uncle Sam.
2. “Lended” — Not Used in Modern English
“Lended” is considered incorrect in standard English today.
A few centuries ago, some dialects used it, but today it is wrong in schools, exams, essays, and professional writing.
Incorrect Examples
- ✗ I lended him my bike.
- ✗ She lended me her phone.
- ✗ They lended us money.
🔍 The Key Difference Between Lended and Lent
| Feature | Lent | Lended |
|---|---|---|
| Is it correct? | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Meaning | Past tense of lend | Not accepted |
| Usage | Everyday speaking & writing | Avoid completely |
| Example | I lent my friend a jacket. | ✘ I lended my friend a jacket. |
⭐ Quick Tip to Remember
If you want to talk about giving something temporarily in the past, always use “LENT.”
⚠️ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
❌ Mistake 1
Incorrect: I lended my teacher my notebook.
Correct: I lent my teacher my notebook.
Why it happens:
Because most verbs add “-ed” in the past tense — but lend is an irregular verb.
❌ Mistake 2
Incorrect: My friend lended me money yesterday.
Correct: My friend lent me money yesterday.
How to fix it:
Remember: lend → lent → lent (same as “send → sent → sent”).
📚 When to Use “Lent” (The Correct Word)
Use lent when:
- You gave something temporarily
- You let someone borrow something
- You shared something that must be returned later
Real-Life Examples
- I lent my cousin my video game.
- Mom lent me her phone for homework.
- The library lent us three books.
- My friend lent me a jacket because it was cold.
- They lent the school chairs for the event.
🚫 When to Use “Lended”
The short answer: Never.
“Lended” is outdated and incorrect in modern English.
Memory Hack
If it has -ed, it’s not the right word.
Just like:
- send → sent (not “sended”)
- build → built (not “builded”)
- lend → lent (not “lended”)
🔁 Quick Recap: Lended vs Lent
- Lent = correct past tense of lend.
- Lended = incorrect. Avoid it.
- Use lent when you talk about giving or borrowing in the past.
- Remember: If you can return it, you can say lent it.
📘 Advanced Tips (Optional but Helpful)
1. Origin of “Lent”
“Lent” comes from Old English where many verbs changed vowels instead of adding “-ed.”
2. Using “Lent” in Formal Writing
Correct:
- “The bank lent money to the company.”
- “The teacher lent us extra books for revision.”
3. Impact of Mistakes in Exams
Using “lended” in essays, academic writing, or job applications looks unprofessional.
4. Online Writing Tip
Auto-correct will often underline lended because it is not standard English.
📝 Mini Quiz: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks using lent.
- She ___ me her pen.
- My father ___ his car to Uncle Tom.
- I ___ my friend my notes.
- The school ___ us a projector.
- Who ___ you this book?
(Answers: All are lent.)
❓ FAQs
1. Which is correct: lended or lent?
Lent is the only correct word.
2. Is “lended” ever acceptable?
No. Modern English does not accept it.
3. What is the past tense of lend?
The past tense is lent.
4. Why isn’t “lended” correct?
Because lend is an irregular verb, like “send → sent.”
5. Can children use “lent” in simple sentences?
Yes! “Lent” is easy to use and works in all age groups.
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know the clear difference between lended and lent.
The rule is simple: Always use “LENT.”
This guide explained meanings, examples, mistakes, and easy memory tricks so you can use the word correctly in school, writing, and everyday life.
Keep practicing, and your English will improve every single day!

Henry Vale is a tech-savvy content creator at WordContrast.com, known for his in-depth guides and how-to articles. With a background in digital media and a passion for innovation, Henry focuses on simplifying technology for everyday users. His mission is to empower readers with clear, actionable knowledge they can use to improve their digital lives.