rent a car

Meaning

This phrase means to pay to use a car for a short period, typically from a rental agency during a vacation or business trip. In British English, speakers also frequently say 'hire a car.'

Examples

• We decided to rent a car so we could explore the countryside at our own pace.

  We decided to rent a car so we could explore the countryside at our own pace.

• Is it cheaper to rent a car online or directly at the airport counter?

  Is it cheaper to rent a car online or directly at the airport counter?

• You need a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent a car here.

  You need a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent a car here.

• Since my vehicle is in the shop, I had to rent a car for the weekend.

  Since my vehicle is in the shop, I had to rent a car for the weekend.

• They decided not to rent a car because parking in the city is extremely expensive.

  They decided not to rent a car because parking in the city is extremely expensive.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to rent a car machine for our American road trip.

  ✓ I need to rent a car for our American road trip.

  In English, we do not refer to a personal automobile as a 'car machine.' Simply use 'car.'

• ✗ We borrowed a car from the rental agency.

  ✓ We rented a car from the rental agency.

  'Borrow' means to use something for free with permission. If you are paying a company to use it, you must use 'rent.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to visit the national parks, it is best to ___ at the airport.

  💡 To pay to use a vehicle temporarily.

  Show answer

  rent a car

• Did you ___ or did you take the train from the airport?

  💡 Paid to drive yourself.

  Show answer

  rent a car