Match Wits With Our Word Wizards

(Illustrated version of Word Wizards)

Shibboleths in English continued

Make the best word choice for formal writing.

(Let, Leave ) me alone or I'll go to the EEOC.
If you (let, leave ) well enough alone, I'll (let, leave ) you in on a secret.
(Let, Leave ) me now and don't bother to come back.
Specify all necessary values; never (let , leave ) the top and bottom box values remain at 0.
If the grid is to be stretched equally toward both the top and bottom, (let, leave ) the bottom/top setting at 50 (default).

Harry went to his (lending, loaning ) institution to apply for a new car (lend, loan ).
The directors agreed to (lend, loan ) some money to microgravity research from their discretionary fund.
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen, (lend , loan ) me your ears . . ." said Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar.
Unfortunately, some people who (lend, loan ) personal property don't get it back.
It was part of the new (lend-lease, loan-lease ) agreement.
The sunset (lent, loaned ) a tranquil quality to the noisy launch.

For an explanation of let, leave, lend, and loan, see Quirks of English.