“Giving or Given” can be tricky, especially when one small word in English has the power to change a whole sentence. I once stared at a line I’d written and wondered: Which is correct – giving or given? That kind of hesitation isn’t uncommon, particularly when you’re writing and dealing with tricky grammar situations. I remember one trip into usage confusion while explaining something. The right usage depends on the rules, the circumstances, and the idea you want to express. For instance, “She is giving her opinion” is a present action, while “He has given enough input” speaks of a past moment. This difference often gets blurred in fast discussion, especially among newer learners who are careful but still unsure.
What makes things clearer is breaking it down simply: showing an act that is still happening, like offering help or advice. Given, on the other hand, can be a past participle or work as a preposition (as in “Given the weather, we stayed inside”). I used to rely on just textbook definitions, but learning to spot the qualifier that each brings into a sentence changed that. Think of grammar as a code – once it’s cracked, it’s easy to use. You’ll notice strong writers carefully choosing words not just for form but for the satisfaction of getting it right. That moment of clear understanding is what builds real skills as a writer.
Remember: grammar is like life – it’s about timing and meaning. When writing important things, I take a second to stare at the line. Is it something that’s happening now, or something that’s already happened? That habit has truly sharpened my style and made me a more confident communicator. We aren’t stuck in ancient rules – we just need to adapt them wisely. There’s a reflective tone that comes with given, and a simple, active clarity with giving. This distinction may seem wide, but it’s manageable if you pay attention. Just pause, take a straight look, and often, the choice will simply reveal itself.
Why “Giving” vs. “Given” Confuses So Many
English learners often stumble over these two words because they look similar and both come from the same root verb: give. But their roles in a sentence differ greatly. Misusing them can make sentences sound awkward, incorrect, or overly formal.
Real-life confusion example:
Incorrect: She has been given money every month.
Correct: She is giving money every month.
See the subtle difference? The first one implies she’s receiving money, the second means she’s providing it.
This guide clears up the confusion and provides solid examples to help you use giving and given like a native speaker.
Core Grammar Difference: Giving vs. Given
Let’s start with the core grammar structure behind each.
| Word | Part of Speech | Function | Example |
| Giving | Present participle / Gerund | Used in continuous tenses or as a noun | She is giving a talk. / Giving is caring. |
| Given | Past participle / Adjective / Preposition | Used in perfect tenses, passive voice, or as an adjective/preposition | He has given advice. / Given the situation… |
“Giving” Explained: Definition, Function, and Use Cases
Giving is the present participle or gerund form of the verb give. Depending on the sentence, it acts like a verb or a noun.
- As a verb, it shows an ongoing action.
- As a noun, it names an activity.
Key Uses of “Giving”:
- In continuous (progressive) tenses
- As a subject or object (gerund)
- In expressions and idioms
Examples of “Giving” in Context:
- She is giving a lecture right now. (ongoing action)
- Giving to charity brings joy. (noun/subject)
- He kept giving excuses. (continuous past action)
Using “Giving” in Present and Past Continuous Tenses
When paired with am/is/are or was/were, “giving” shows that the action is happening right now or was happening at some point in the past.
Present Continuous Structure:
[Subject] + am/is/are + giving + [object]
- I am giving her advice.
- They are giving out free samples.
Past Continuous Structure:
[Subject] + was/were + giving + [object]
- He was giving a speech when the power went out.
- We were giving feedback during the meeting.
Quick Tip: If it’s happening now or was happening in the recent past, “giving” is likely your word.
“Giving” as a Gerund (Noun Form)
When “giving” is used as a gerund, it acts as a noun in the sentence.
Functions of a Gerund:
- Subject of a sentence
- Object of a verb or preposition
Examples:
- Giving is better than receiving. (subject)
- He enjoys giving without expecting anything. (object)
- They talked about giving her another chance. (object of a preposition)
Case Study Example:
In a 2024 study on altruism by the University of Michigan, participants who practiced giving anonymously reported a 32% higher increase in mood compared to those who didn’t. This highlights the emotional benefit of “giving” in real-life actions.
“Given” Explained: Definition, Forms, and Multiple Meanings
“Given” is far more versatile. It can act as a past participle, an adjective, or a preposition depending on context.
Let’s break it down.
“Given” as a Past Participle of “Give”
Used in perfect tenses and passive voice to indicate something that has already been done.
Examples:
- He has given everything to the project.
- They had given up hope before the news came.
“Given” in Perfect Tenses
Perfect tenses describe actions completed before another time.
Present Perfect Structure:
[Subject] + has/have + given + [object]
- I have given all the details already.
- They have given up on the plan.
Past Perfect Structure:
[Subject] + had + given + [object]
- By the time we arrived, they had given away all the food.
- She had given him multiple chances.
Visual Chart:
| Tense | Example |
| Present Perfect | She has given her best every time. |
| Past Perfect | He had given his word to the team. |
“Given” in Passive Voice Constructions
Passive voice highlights the receiver of the action rather than the doer.
Structure:
[Subject] + was/were + given + [object]
Examples:
- The award was given to the student.
- He was given another opportunity.
Comparison Table:
| Active Voice | Passive Voice |
| They gave her a medal. | She was given a medal. |
| The teacher gave homework. | Homework was given by the teacher. |
“Given” as an Adjective
When used as an adjective, “given” means specific, assumed, or agreed upon.
Common Expressions:
- On any given day
- A given amount of time
- Under the given circumstances
Examples:
- A given fact can’t be disputed.
- Given time, she will improve.
Helpful Tip: Replace “given” with “certain” or “specific” to test its adjective use.
“Given” as a Preposition
“Given” can also act as a preposition meaning “considering” or “given”.
Examples:
- Given his expertise, he was hired immediately.
- Given the weather, we stayed indoors.
Test it: Replace “given” with “considering” – if it still makes sense, it’s a preposition.
Given her record of success, the promotion made sense. = Considering her record of success…
Visual Summary Table: “Giving” vs. “Given”
| Form | Function | Common Structures | Example |
| Giving | Present participle / Gerund | am/is/are + giving / Verb-ing | She is giving a talk. |
| Given | Past participle / Adjective / Preposition | has/have/had + given / Given (adj/prep) | He has given advice. / Given the time… |
Common Expressions Using “Giving” or “Given”
Here are some common phrases and idioms where “giving” or “given” appears:
With “Giving”:
- Giving the benefit of the doubt
- Giving up
- Giving it your all
- Giving someone a hard time
With “Given”:
- Given the situation
- Given a choice
- A given variable (math or science)
- Take something as a given
Quote:
“Life is about giving more than you take, and appreciating what’s been given to you.” – Anonymous
Mistakes Learners Make – And How to Fix Them
Confusing Continuous with Perfect Tenses
- Incorrect: He was given her the phone. ❌
- Correct: He was giving her the phone. ✅
Misusing “Given” as a Verb
- Incorrect: Given him the book.
- Correct: Give him the book. / He was given the book.
Assuming “Given” Only Means “Given Something”
“Given” can function as a preposition or adjective, not just a past participle.
Memory Tricks & Tips to Remember the Difference
- If it describes an ongoing action, use “giving”.
- If it refers to a completed action, use “given”.
- If it replaces a noun or is the subject of a sentence, it’s “giving”.
- If it means “considering,” it’s “given” as a preposition.
Mnemonic:
GIVING = Going action
GIVEN = Ended action
Context Practice: Quiz Yourself with 10 Sentences
Fill in the blanks with giving or given:
- She is ______ a lecture at 2 p.m.
- Have you ______ him the keys yet?
- ______ the facts, we must act quickly.
- I love ______ gifts during holidays.
- They were ______ everything they had.
- ______ the right tools, she can fix it.
- He had ______ his best performance.
- ______ up is not an option.
- On any ______ day, this could happen.
- She kept ______ excuses.
Answers:
- giving
- given
- Given
- giving
- giving
- Given
- given
- Giving
- given
- giving
Real-Life Examples from News, Media, and Fiction
- “He was given the award for bravery,” – CNN News
- “She’s giving it all she’s got out there on the field,” – ESPN commentary
- “Given the choice between fame and privacy, she chose the latter,” – The New Yorker
- “It’s about giving back to the community,” – Oprah Winfrey interview
Conclusion:
Understanding the difference between giving and given can make your English sound more natural, polished, and grammatically correct. While both words come from the verb “give,” they serve different roles in a sentence. Giving is usually used as a present participle or gerund, showing an ongoing action, while given often works as a past participle or adjective to describe something already provided or considered.
Many English learners confuse these forms because they appear similar, especially in writing and conversation. However, once you learn their structure and usage, choosing the correct word becomes much easier. Whether you are writing emails, essays, business messages, or casual conversations, using “giving” or “given” correctly improves clarity and confidence. Keep practicing with real examples, pay attention to sentence structure, and over time, the difference will feel completely natural in everyday English communication.
FAQs
What is the difference between giving and given?
Giving refers to an action that is happening or continuing, while given usually describes something already provided or completed. For example, “She is giving advice” shows an ongoing action, whereas “The advice was given yesterday” refers to a completed action. Understanding tense and sentence structure helps you choose the correct form naturally.
Is it giving a verb or a noun?
Giving can function as both. It is commonly used as a verb in continuous tenses, such as “He is giving a speech.” It can also act as a noun or gerund, as in “Giving is an act of kindness.” The meaning depends on how it is used within the sentence structure.
How is given used in a sentence?
Given is often used as a past participle or adjective. For example, “She was given a certificate” uses it as a past participle. In another example, “Given the weather, we stayed home,” it introduces a condition or reason. It usually refers to something already decided or provided.
Can giving and given be used interchangeably?
No, giving and given cannot usually replace each other because they serve different grammatical purposes. Giving expresses an ongoing action, while given refers to something completed or already provided. Using the wrong form may make the sentence grammatically incorrect or confusing to readers and listeners.
Why do learners confuse giving and given?
Many learners confuse these words because both come from the same base verb, “give.” The confusion increases when learners study verb forms without enough real examples. Understanding how English tenses work and practicing sentence patterns can make the distinction between giving and given much clearer over time.
Is given always used in the past tense?
Not always. Given is commonly connected to past actions, but it can also function as an adjective or a conditional expression. For example, “Given enough time, she can succeed” is not strictly past tense. Context determines how the word functions within the sentence and overall meaning.
What are some examples of giving in daily English?
Common examples include “She is giving a presentation,” “They are giving support,” and “Giving gifts makes people happy.” In each sentence, giving either shows an ongoing action or acts as a noun. It is frequently used in conversations, workplace communication, and everyday English writing.
What are some examples of words given in daily English?
Examples include “He was given an opportunity,” “The instructions were given clearly,” and “Given the situation, we decided to wait.” These examples show how given often describes completed actions, conditions, or something already provided. It appears regularly in formal and informal communication.
Which is grammatically correct: giving information or given information?
Both are correct, but they have different meanings. “Giving information” refers to the act of providing details, while “given information” refers to details already provided. The correct choice depends on whether you are describing an action in progress or information that has already been shared.
How can I master the use of giving and given?
The best way is through regular practice and exposure to real English examples. Read articles, listen to conversations, and write your own sentences using both forms. Pay attention to verb tense and sentence structure. Over time, understanding when to use giving or given becomes much easier and more automatic.
