Do you ever borrow or lend things with neighbours—a cup of sugar, a drill, anything?

B Natural answer

Yes, but only in a pinch. I don’t want to bother people too often, so I usually ask only when I really need something. Last week I borrowed a ladder from a neighbor, and before that I lent someone a spare phone charger. I try to borrow and return it quickly, because that keeps things simple. Most of the time, we just keep it pretty casual, and that works well for everyone. It saves money too, and it helps you get to know the people living nearby.

Key phrases in this answer

• in a pinch — when something is needed urgently or in a difficult situation“In a pinch, I can ask a neighbor for help.”
• borrow and return it — take something for a short time and give it back“I try to borrow and return it quickly.”
• keep it pretty casual — treat the arrangement in an easy, relaxed way“We keep it pretty casual with our neighbors.”
• a cup of sugar — a small amount of sugar someone asks to borrow“I asked next door for a cup of sugar.”
• my drill — the power tool used to make holes or drive screws“I borrowed my drill from the neighbor.”
• for the most part — generally; mostly“For the most part, our neighbors are helpful.”