like to borrow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like to borrow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a desire or preference to take something temporarily from someone else. Example: "I would like to borrow your book for a week if that's okay with you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We like to borrow and we like to cluck at borrowers.

The New York Times

"It was like: 'We'd like to borrow a shirt.

The New York Times - Arts

May be you'd like to borrow a nickle".

The New Yorker

'I have an idea, and I'd like to borrow it for a while,' he said.

The New Yorker

And, boy, wouldn't you like to borrow a little of that glow for yourself?

The New York Times

We would like to borrow approximately $32,000 from the conservancy's account".

The New York Times

My wife Lynne, I'd like to borrow her PM if I can over here?

The Guardian

"I'd like to borrow your truck for a few hours," he told Jerome.

The New Yorker

With Angell's permission, we'd like to borrow the experience of seeing that owl and recognizing its power for Page-Turner.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It didn't even look like--to borrow a favorite phrase of Gretchen's-- student work".

Huffington Post

So Obama won handily, and it felt like -- to borrow, with distaste, the triumphalist phrase coined by Ronald Reagan in 1984 -- morning in America.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like to borrow", be specific about what you want to borrow and from whom, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "I would like to borrow your car for the weekend."

Common error

While "like to borrow" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal situations where a more precise or polite phrasing, such as "wish to borrow", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like to borrow" functions as a verb phrase indicating a desire or inclination to temporarily take possession of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like to borrow" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a desire or intention to temporarily acquire something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While adaptable, it's important to consider the context and audience. For more formal settings, "wish to borrow" may be more appropriate. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as informal wiki content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wish to borrow

Uses a more formal verb, "wish", to express a similar desire.

desire to borrow

Emphasizes the desire or longing to borrow.

want to borrow

A more direct and informal way of expressing the same intention.

would love to borrow

Adds a stronger element of enthusiasm to the desire to borrow.

care to borrow

A polite and somewhat formal way of asking to borrow something.

be inclined to borrow

Suggests a tendency or willingness to borrow.

be willing to borrow

Highlights the willingness to borrow if the opportunity arises.

feel like borrowing

Expresses a current urge or inclination to borrow.

have a penchant for borrowing

Indicates a habitual liking for borrowing.

have a desire to borrow

Emphasizes the underlying desire to borrow something.

FAQs

How can I politely ask to borrow something using "like to borrow"?

You can use the phrase "like to borrow" in a polite request by adding phrases such as "if possible", "please", or "if you don't mind". For example, "Would you mind if I "like to borrow" your notes, please?"

What's a more formal alternative to "like to borrow"?

A more formal alternative to "like to borrow" is "wish to borrow" or "desire to borrow". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'm liking to borrow"?

No, "I'm liking to borrow" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "I "like to borrow"" or "I would like to borrow."

Can "like to borrow" be used in written communication?

Yes, "like to borrow" can be used in written communication, especially in emails or notes to friends and colleagues. However, consider the context and audience when choosing between ""like to borrow"" and more formal alternatives.