Giving or Given? Understanding When to Use Each (With Examples)

In English grammar, the words “giving” and “given” are commonly used but often confuse even the most experienced learners. While they might seem similar at first glance, their usage can differ significantly depending on the tense, structure, or function within a sentence.

Understanding how to use them correctly will help you avoid mistakes and sound more natural when communicating in both written and spoken English.

1. What’s the Difference Between “Giving” and “Given”?

The primary difference between “giving” and “given” lies in their grammatical roles:

• “Giving” is the present participle or gerund form of the verb “give.” It is often used in continuous tenses (like present continuous, past continuous) or as a noun.
  • Example: “She is giving a lecture right now.”
  • In this case, the action is ongoing.
• “Given” is the past participle of “give,” and it can also act as an adjective or preposition in certain situations.
  • Example: “He has given the book to me.”
  • Here, the action is complete, and the verb is used in a perfect tense (present perfect).

Knowing the correct form helps you decide whether to describe an ongoing action (giving) or a completed action (given).

Key Takeaways:

• Giving: Ongoing action (present/past continuous or gerund).
• Given: Completed action (past participle or adjective).

2. The Role of “Giving” in Continuous Tenses

In continuous tenses, “giving” is used to describe actions that are in progress. It helps show that something is happening right now or was happening at some point in the past.

Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense describes something happening at the exact moment of speaking.

Past Continuous Tense

This tense shows an action that was ongoing at a specific point in the past.

Perfect Continuous Tense

This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present.

Real-World Example:

Imagine you’re at a conference, and the speaker says, “I am giving this talk to share my findings.” The use of “giving” signals that the action is happening right then. On the other hand, if they say, “I have been giving talks for over a decade,” the focus shifts to the duration of the activity.

3. Using “Given” in Perfect Tenses

In perfect tenses, “given” functions as the past participle of “give” and is used to describe an action that has been completed before another point in time.

Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense is used to describe an action that has been completed at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present.

Past Perfect Tense

The past perfect tense indicates that an action was completed before another action or event in the past.

• Example: “By the time I arrived, they had already given the gifts.”
• The focus is on an action that preceded another event.

Future Perfect Tense

This tense describes an action that will be completed before a specified time in the future.

• Example: “By tomorrow, I will have given all the presentations.”
• Here, “given” emphasizes the completion of the action in the future.

4. “Given” as an Adjective

When used as an adjective, “given” describes something that is fixed, specific, or established. It typically refers to conditions or facts that are assumed to be true.

Example: “Given the weather, we decided to postpone the meeting.”

• Here, “given” indicates a condition or circumstance that affects the decision.

Real-World Example:

In business meetings, a manager might say, “Given the budget constraints, we can’t approve any additional projects.” The word “given” signals that the decision is influenced by specific factors.

5. “Given” as a Preposition

“Given” can also function as a preposition, meaning “in view of” or “considering.”

Example: “Given the importance of the task, we should prioritize it.”

• “Given” links the action to a condition or circumstance.

Real-World Example:

Imagine you’re at work, and a colleague says, “Given the tight deadline, I’ll stay late to finish the report.” Here, “given” shows that the deadline is the reason for staying late.

6. “Given” in Passive Voice Construction

In passive voice, “given” helps shift the focus from the subject performing the action to the action itself. It is often used to express an action done to the subject.

Example: “The instructions were given to the students by the teacher.”

• The focus is on the instructions and not the person giving them.

Real-World Example:

7. Alternative Meanings and Uses of “Giving” and “Given”

While “giving” and “given” are primarily used in specific grammatical structures, they can also have figurative or idiomatic meanings.

For “Giving”:

• Example: “She’s giving off a weird vibe.”
• In this case, “giving off” means producing or emitting.

For “Given”:

• Example: “This is a given.”
• This phrase means something is assumed or certain.

Real-World Example:

In social contexts, you might hear, “His giving nature makes him very popular,” meaning he is generous and enjoys helping others. Similarly, “It’s a given that we will meet every Thursday,” meaning it’s an established or certain fact.

8. Practical Tips for Using “Giving” vs. “Given”

Here’s a quick rundown of when to use “giving” and “given” correctly:

Use “Giving” for:

• Ongoing or continuous actions (present/past continuous).
• Describing a process or an action in progress.
  • Example: “I am giving a talk at the seminar.”

Use “Given” for:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using “giving” when referring to a completed action (e.g., “I have giving the book” instead of “I have given the book”).
• Confusing “given” as an active verb (e.g., “She is given a gift” should be “She is giving a gift”).

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on “giving” and “given,” it’s time to start using them with confidence! Whether you’re describing an ongoing action or a completed task, knowing when to use each word can make your writing and speech sound more precise and polished.

Remember to practice using these terms in real-life situations to get a feel for them, and don’t be afraid to refer back to this guide when in doubt.

By following the tips and examples in this post, you’ll easily master the distinction between giving and given.

FAQs

1. When should I use “giving” instead of “given”?

• Use “giving” for actions happening right now or in progress. “Given” is used for actions that are already completed or in perfect tenses.

2. Can “given” be used in passive voice?

• Yes, “given” is commonly used in passive voice to indicate that something was done to the subject, like “The documents were given to me.”

3. How do I remember when to use “giving” vs. “given”?

• A simple rule: Use “giving” for ongoing actions, and “given” for completed actions or when expressing conditions.