loan

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "loan" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an amount of money, goods, or services that is provided by one person or organization to another with the expectation that it will be returned or repaid. For example, "My parents took out a loan to pay for my college tuition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The same is true of refinancing at a different bank from the one that currently holds your mortgage, or trying to persuade a new bank to give you a business loan.

The Economist

These costs aren't trivial: a 2001 study showed that the cost of switching a loan came to about a third of the loan's annual interest rate.

The Economist

When asked about the terms and conditions of the loan Georges said: "I was told by Nick di Girolamo they were in mediation with Sydney Water and I got a bit excited because Sydney Water is a big utilities company.

The Guardian

He said a 2010 contract headed "Sale of Shares" really recorded a loan to his close friend, the then AWH chief executive Girolamo.

The Guardian

A further payment of $486,000 was an additional loan, not an investment in AWH, he said.

The Guardian

"Sounds like a pretty good loan, doesn't it?" counsel assisting the commission, Geoffrey Watson, SC, said.

The Guardian

Maguire, on loan from Aberdeen, put Jimmy Calderwood's side ahead from close range in the 32nd minute after Paul Gallacher spilled a tame shot from Craig Bryson.

The Guardian - Sport

He ended the testimony saying the family, especially his father, had not been about the loan.

The Guardian

When he read the document which lay out the conditions of the loan in the hearing, Paul called it a "pretty silly document" because the loan was unsecured.

The Guardian

When asked if the family had allowed di Girolamo to escape the consequences of the loan as Eddie junior had taken responsibility for it, Paul replied that the two were very close: "I sometimes think he treats me like his step-brother and Nick like his real brother".

The Guardian

Often the only source of emergency cash is loan sharks, increasingly big business in Kenya, with borrowers signing ambiguous photocopied contracts and tying themselves into interest rates of 50% or more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "loans", be specific about the type (e.g., student loan, mortgage, business loan) to provide clarity. Also, clarify repayment terms, such as fixed or variable interest rates.

Common error

Avoid using "loan" as a verb. The correct verb is "lend". For example, instead of saying "Can you loan me money?", say "Can you "lend" me money?"

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "loan" is as a noun, referring to a sum of money borrowed. Ludwig confirms this is a standard usage. It can also function as a verb, meaning to lend something to someone, although this usage is less common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "loan" is a versatile noun and less commonly used verb that refers to the act of borrowing or lending something, typically money. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in news and media, formal business contexts, and occasionally in scientific discussions. When using "loan", remember to be specific about the type of loan and avoid using it as a verb when you mean ""lend"". Related phrases include "credit facility" and "borrowed funds", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

borrowed funds

Focuses on the act of borrowing rather than the instrument itself.

credit facility

Replaces "loan" with a more formal term, often used in business or financial contexts to describe an available line of credit.

advance

A shorter, less formal term for a sum of money given before it is earned or due.

monetary advance

Substitutes "loan" with a slightly more technical phrase, emphasizing the provision of money.

financing

A broader term encompassing various methods of funding, including loans.

financial aid

Highlights the assistance aspect, particularly relevant in educational or emergency contexts.

line of credit

Implies a revolving loan where funds can be drawn, repaid, and redrawn.

mortgage

Specifies a loan secured by real estate, providing a more specific context.

debt

Refers to the obligation created by the loan, rather than the loan itself.

IOU

An informal acknowledgement of debt, less formal than a structured loan.

FAQs

How do I use "loan" in a sentence?

You can use "loan" as a noun to refer to an amount of money borrowed. For example, "He took out a student "loan" to pay for university."

What can I say instead of "loan"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "credit", "financing", or "advance".

Which is correct, "loan" or "lend"?

"Loan" is a noun (a thing), while ""lend"" is a verb (an action). You get a "loan", and someone will ""lend"" it to you.

What's the difference between a "loan" and a "grant"?

A "loan" needs to be repaid, usually with interest, while a "grant" is typically given without the expectation of repayment.