Basic English Language Skills Basic English Language Skills
Approve/Approve of
To “approve” something is to give consent.
E.g. The director approved the budget.
To “approve of” something is to express a favourable opinion about it.
E.g. The mother did not approve of the way her daughter was dressed for 
the school dance.
Borrow/Lend
To “borrow” something is to take it with the intention of giving it back.
E.g. He borrowed the book from his colleague.
To “lend” something is to give it to someone with the expectation
that they will give it back.
E.g. She is lending the car to him so that he can drive to work today.
 
Compliment/Complement
You “compliment” someone when you make a favourable
comment about them.
E.g. He complimented her by telling her that she was a good writer.
You “complement” something (or someone) when you add
something else to it that suits or fits it well.
E.g. That scarf complements her dress.