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#2 (permalink) Sun Apr 06, 2008 0:26 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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. We don't normally pay for books borrowed, so the phrase sounds odd to me in any context. . _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13015
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Tofu I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 28 May 2010 Posts: 1412 Location: Swept away by the Mar, 11 tsunami
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#4 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:00 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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| Tofu wrote: |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_library Libraries lend books and materials freely, but charge fines if materials are returned late or damaged.
http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/rent_2 rent something (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?
What would British English speakers say instead of "rent something"? |
Hi Tofu,
As your link notes, British people usually say hire instead of rent. http://www.oxfordadvancedlearnersdictionary.com/dictionary/rent_2
Aiken _________________ Man proposes; God disposes |
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Aiken I'm here quite often ;-)

Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 225
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#5 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 9:28 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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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? _________________ Cheers m' dears! |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 18807 Location: UK, born and bred
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#6 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:27 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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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 ?) |
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Waiyin Cheng I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 158
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#7 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:36 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/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). |
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Tofu I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 28 May 2010 Posts: 1412 Location: Swept away by the Mar, 11 tsunami
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#8 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:39 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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| Thank you for your help, Tofu |
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Waiyin Cheng I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 158
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#9 (permalink) Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:39 am Expression: "Rent a book" |
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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." _________________ Cheers m' dears! |
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Beeesneees Language Coach

Joined: 08 Apr 2010 Posts: 18807 Location: UK, born and bred
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| Correct use of "aye"? (Scottish) | Timely halt |