Hi
Can we use the word “rent” with a book–I mean, when we pay for the use of a book from a private library?
Do you find this conversation correct and natural?
On returning the book to the private Public Library:
Any suggestions are welcome.
Tom
.
We don’t normally pay for books borrowed, so the phrase sounds odd to me in any context.
.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_library
Libraries [color=red]lend books and materials freely, but charge fines if materials are returned late or damaged.
oxfordadvancedlearnersdictio … ary/rent_2
[b][size=150]rent something[/size] ([color=darkblue]especially North American English)
to pay money to somebody so that you can use something for a short period of time
- We rented a car for the week and explored the area.
- Shall we rent a movie this evening?[/b]
What would British English speakers say instead of “rent something”?
Hi Tofu,
As your link notes, British people usually say hire instead of rent.
oxfordadvancedlearnersdictio … ary/rent_2
Aiken
Ho Tofu,
I’d hire small things like videos DVDs (and books, if that scenario existed), but rent larger things like cars, property, bicycles.
I would borrow a book from a library, so it would be on loan to me. If I had to pay a fine, then I might ask ‘How much of a fine do I owe?’ or ‘How many days’ fine(s) do I owe?
Hi, Beeesneees.
Could you explain me why you use “fine” as a noun (on your reply) or it just a mistake in typing (it should be “fee” right ?)
macmillandictionary.com/dict … an/fine_41
fine
an amount of money that you have to pay because you have broken the law
He had to pay a hefty fine.
I got a $100 fine for speeding.
Companies could face fines of up to $100,000.
The court has the right to impose heavy fines (=large fines).
Thank you for your help, Tofu
No Waiyin, it’s not a typo.
I presume you know that if you fine (verb) someone, you punish them by making them pay a sum of money.
That sum of money is their fine (noun).
“You must pay your fine within two weeks.”