What is loan? Pronunciation and usage in English

loan means . Learn how to pronounce and use loan through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of loan

loannoun

/ləʊn/
Definition & pronunciation of loan

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "loan" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a common source of mispronunciation!

Here's the breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation (American English):

  • Sounds like: /loʊn/ (rhymes with "own")
  • Breakdown:
    • lo: This part sounds like the "low" in "low" (as in, lowing of a cow). It's a slightly rounded vowel sound.
    • n: This is just a regular "n" sound.

The Common Mispronunciation (British English):

  • Sounds like: /lōn/ (rhymes with "dawn")
  • Breakdown:
    • lōn - This is a much flatter vowel sound, similar to the "o" in "dawn" or "stone."

Tips for Getting it Right (Especially if you're aiming for American English):

  1. The "o" sound: This is the key. Don't pronounce it like the "aw" in "paw." Think of the "o" in "low" or "toe."

  2. Slightly rounded lips: Making a very slight 'oo' shape with your lips can help you get that correct "lo" sound.

  3. Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers. Here are some resources:

    • Google Audio: Search for "pronounce loan" on Google and click the speaker icon for audio.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/loan/ - This site lets you hear the word pronounced by people from different countries.
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce loan" on YouTube; you'll find many videos.

To Summarize: Think "low" not "lawn."

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some more examples of words with similar vowel sounds?
  • Record myself saying "loan" so you can hear it?

Usage and examples with the word loan in English

Let's break down how to use the word "loan" in English. It has a few distinct meanings and usages. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Verb (To Lend):

  • Meaning: To give something (usually money, but sometimes possessions) to someone else with the expectation that it will be returned.
  • Example Sentences:
    • “I loaned my friend my car for the weekend.” (Giving a car)
    • “She loaned me five dollars.” (Giving money)
    • "Can I loan you a pen?" (Offering a pen)

2. As a Noun (A Sum of Money Borrowed):

This is where it gets a little more nuanced. There are two main types of “loan” as a noun:

a) Short-Term Loan (Often Informal):

 * **Meaning:** A small amount of money borrowed quickly, often for a short period.  It's frequently used in everyday conversation.
 * **Example Sentences:**
    * “He **loaned** me a **loan** of twenty bucks for gas.” (Informal – meaning he lent me $20)
    * "I need a **loan** to fix my car." (Sometimes used, but "borrow" is more common and formal)

b) Formal Loan (Official Lending):

 * **Meaning:** A more structured and formal agreement for money borrowed, usually from a bank or financial institution.  This is the usual meaning you'll encounter in business, legal, and financial contexts.
 * **Example Sentences:**
    * “The company took out a **loan** to expand its operations.”
    * “He applied for a **mortgage loan** to buy a house.” (A specific type of loan)
    * “The **student loan** is due next month.”
    * “They negotiated a **business loan** with the bank.”

3. Related Words and Phrases:

  • Borrow: The opposite of loan. Borrowing means receiving something with the intention of returning it.
  • Lender: The person who loans something.
  • Borrower: The person who borrows something.
  • Interest: The fee charged for borrowing money (often expressed as a percentage). "The interest rate on the loan was 5%."
  • Repayment: The act of paying back the money borrowed. “The repayment schedule is monthly.”
  • Loan Agreement: A formal contract outlining the terms of the loan.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

Feature Loan (Verb) Loan (Noun - Short-Term) Loan (Noun - Formal)
Part of Speech Verb Noun Noun
Meaning To lend Small, quick money lend Formal, structured money
Context General use Informal conversation Business, finance

Tips for Choosing the Right Word:

  • Formality: "Loan" as a noun (short-term) is generally more casual. "Loan" as a noun (formal) is used in more serious contexts.
  • Amount: "Loan" (short-term) usually implies a smaller amount.
  • Context: Consider the situation. Are you talking to a friend or a banker?

Do you want me to elaborate on a specific aspect of "loan," such as:

  • Different types of loans (mortgage, student, personal, etc.)?
  • How to calculate interest?
  • Using "loan" in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word loan

Practice with vocabulary loan

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup's ambitious expansion plans are heavily dependent on securing a significant business ______ from a venture capitalist firm.
  2. Can you ______ me your lecture notes from yesterday? I missed a crucial part of the discussion.
  3. Many developing nations struggle with a heavy national ______ due to years of economic instability and foreign aid.
  4. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student ______ to help cover tuition costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term describes a sum of money provided to an individual or organization with the expectation that it will be repaid, usually with interest? (a) grant (b) gift (c) loan (d) donation
  2. When a library gives you a book for a specified period, allowing you to read it and then return it, they are essentially providing it on _______. (a) lease (b) loan (c) rent (d) credit
  3. To finance the purchase of their new house, the couple applied for a mortgage ______ from the local bank. (a) acquisition (b) allowance (c) loan (d) fund
  4. Could you _______ me a hand with this heavy box? I can't lift it alone. (a) give (b) lend (c) allow (d) borrow
  5. After graduating, many students find themselves burdened with substantial student _______ that they must begin repaying. (a) savings (b) equity (c) debt (d) income

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The gallery allowed the painting to be displayed temporarily at the city museum. Rewrite (using a form of "loan"):
  2. Original: To start his own business, he needed to get money from the bank that he would have to pay back. Rewrite (using "loan"):
  3. Original: I asked my colleague if I could use his computer for an hour. Rewrite (using a suitable replacement word, not "loan"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup's ambitious expansion plans are heavily dependent on securing a significant business loan from a venture capitalist firm.
  2. Can you lend me your lecture notes from yesterday? I missed a crucial part of the discussion.
  3. Many developing nations struggle with a heavy national debt due to years of economic instability and foreign aid.
  4. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans to help cover tuition costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (c) loan
  2. (b) loan
  3. (c) loan
  4. (b) lend
  5. (c) debt

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The gallery loaned the painting for temporary display at the city museum. / The gallery allowed the painting to be displayed temporarily at the city museum on loan.
  2. Rewrite: To start his own business, he needed to take out a loan from the bank. / To start his own business, he needed to get a loan from the bank.
  3. Rewrite: I asked my colleague if I could borrow his computer for an hour.

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