More Little Items of Syntax ..

...we may as well clear up once and for all...


1.) The difference between "loan" and "lend" is really very simple. "Loan" is a noun.

This bank issued bad loans.
I have paid off the loan.
Do you need a mortgage loan? (Good luck!)

"Lend" is a verb.

Please lend me a fiver.
Lend to others, expecting nothing in return. Unless you are a bank.
I have lent him my car during his visit.

"Loan" is never a verb. Do not say, "She loaned me her hat." She lent you her hat.


2.) The difference between "inauguration" and "inaugural" is again that they are different parts of speech. "Inauguration" is a noun, while "inaugural" is an adjective.

Do not say, "I attended President Obama's inaugural" or, "Order your plate today, commemorating the historic inaugural!" You attended his inauguration; the plate commemorates the inauguration.

At the inauguration, you heard the president's inaugural speech. Then afterward, you went to an inaugural ball.

Hint: if it's the last word of a sentence or clause, the word you want is "inauguration."