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

Understanding when to use “giving” versus “given” can be a real challenge for many. The English language is filled with subtle nuances, and these two words are no exception. “Giving” and “given” are forms of the verb “give,” but they serve different grammatical purposes. The mistake of interchanging them can create confusion and affect the clarity of your communication. 

In this article, we’ll not only clarify the differences but also give you practical examples, tips, and a clear guide to mastering these two words. Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or having a casual conversation, knowing when to use “giving” and “given” is essential for polished and professional communication. 

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to understand and apply these terms correctly.

Understanding the Basics: What Are “Giving” and “Given”?

Before diving into the specifics of “giving” and “given,” it’s crucial to understand their roots. Both words come from the verb “give,” but their usage depends on the context of the sentence and the tense being used. Let’s break down these two words:

What is “Giving”?

“Giving” is the present participle of the verb “give.” It’s used to describe an ongoing action or a continuous process. When you use “giving,” you’re talking about something that is currently happening or something that you’re actively doing.

• Example 1:“I am giving a speech right now.”
  
  • Here, “giving” indicates that the action of speaking is happening in the present moment.
• Example 2:“She’s giving away free samples at the event.”
  
  • In this case, “giving” refers to an action that is in progress.

What is “Given”?

On the other hand, “given” is the past participle of the verb “give.” It can be used in a variety of contexts, including past actions or when referring to something that has already been handed over, delivered, or offered. Additionally, “given” can function as an adjective to describe assumptions or conditions.

• Example 1:“He was given a book yesterday.”
  
  • This indicates that the action of giving occurred in the past, and the book was handed to him at a specific time.
• Example 2:“Given the circumstances, we decided to postpone the meeting.”
  
  • Here, “given” describes the assumption or condition based on the situation.

Understanding these basic definitions is key to knowing when to use each word in various contexts.

“Giving” in Action: Understanding its Usage

Now that we know what “giving” and “given” are, let’s dive into “giving” specifically. This form of the verb has a specific role in sentences and is essential for expressing ongoing actions or states.

Present Tense Use: The Ongoing Action

One of the most common uses of “giving” is to describe an action in progress. It’s often used in sentences with the verb “to be” (am, is, are, was, were) to indicate something happening at the moment of speaking.

• Example 1:“They are giving a presentation at the conference right now.”
  
  • Here, “giving” shows that the presentation is happening at this very moment.
• Example 2:“She is giving her best effort to finish the project.”
  
  • In this example, the ongoing action is the act of giving effort, demonstrating a continuous or habitual action.

Progressive Forms of “Give”

Another way “giving” is used is in progressive forms, like the present perfect continuous or the past perfect continuous.

• Example 1:“I have been giving speeches for over a decade.”
  
  • The progressive form “have been giving” shows that the action of giving speeches started in the past and is still ongoing.
• Example 2:“He had been giving donations for years before he stopped.”
  
  • The past perfect continuous emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action in the past.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when using “giving.” One of the most common errors is confusing it with “given” when referring to past actions.

• Incorrect: “He giving the package to her yesterday.”
• Correct: “He was giving the package to her yesterday.”

The key difference is that “giving” shows an ongoing action, while “given” is used for actions that have already happened.

“Given” in Action: Understanding its Usage

Next, let’s look at “given” and how it functions in different contexts. Unlike “giving,” which expresses an ongoing action, “given” is more about something that has already been completed or assumed.

Past Tense Use: Completed Actions

“Given” is most commonly used to describe actions that are already completed. When you say “given,” you’re usually talking about something that happened before the moment of speaking.

• Example 1:“The assignment was given to me last week.”
  
  • In this sentence, the action of giving occurred in the past, and the assignment was handed over already.
• Example 2:“She had already been given a gift when I arrived.”
  
  • “Given” shows that the action occurred before another action in the past (arriving).

“Given” as an Adjective: Referring to Assumptions

Another interesting use of “given” is when it functions as an adjective. In this context, “given” is often used to describe assumptions, facts, or conditions that are taken as true.

• Example 1:“Given her expertise, she was chosen to lead the team.”
  
  • Here, “given” refers to an assumption about her qualifications.
• Example 2:“Given the weather forecast, we decided to cancel the outdoor event.”
  
  • In this case, “given” refers to a condition (the weather) that influenced the decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s also easy to misuse “given.” One mistake is using it where “giving” should be used.

• Incorrect: “He was given a ride to the airport, and now he is given thanks.”
• Correct: “He was given a ride to the airport, and now he is giving thanks.”

In the second example, “giving” shows an ongoing action (thanking), while “given” refers to something already done (the ride).

When to Choose “Giving” vs. “Given”: A Clear Guide

The choice between “giving” and “given” is all about the context. When you’re deciding between these two, think about whether the action is ongoing or completed.

Context Matters: Ongoing vs. Completed

• Use “giving” for actions that are in progress.
• Use “given” for actions that have already occurred or for assumptions based on known facts.

Examples in Different Sentences:

• Ongoing Action: “I am giving a speech right now.”
• Completed Action: “The speech was given yesterday.”

This basic distinction will help you understand when to use each term.

Quick Reference Table for Decision-Making:

Scenario	Use “Giving”	Use “Given”
Ongoing action	✅	❌
Completed action	❌	✅
Assumed fact/condition	❌	✅
Continuous tense	✅	❌

Real-World Examples: “Giving” vs. “Given” in Context

Understanding the theory is one thing, but putting it into practice is where it counts. Let’s look at how these words are used in real-world scenarios, from professional writing to everyday conversation.

Professional Writing

In professional settings like emails, reports, or presentations, precision is key. Using the wrong word can make your writing sound awkward or incorrect. Here’s a quick comparison:

• “The team is giving a presentation this afternoon.”
  • “Giving” makes it clear that the presentation is happening at that moment.
• “The resources were given to the participants last week.”
  • “Given” indicates that the resources were handed over at a past time.

Everyday Conversations

In casual conversations, “giving” and “given” still matter, especially when you want to sound clear and precise.

• “I’m giving him a ride to the store.”
  
  • Ongoing action.
• “The ride was given to him by a friend.”
  
  • Completed action.

Final Tips and Best Practices

Here are some final tips to help you avoid confusion between “giving” and “given”:

Quick Checklist for Usage:

• “Giving” = Present action (currently happening or ongoing).
• “Given” = Past action or assumption (already completed or assumed).

Proofreading Tip:

When reviewing your writing, pay close attention to whether you’re talking about an ongoing action or a completed one. This will guide your choice between “giving” and “given.”

FAQs: Giving vs. Given

1. What is the main difference between “giving” and “given”?

The main difference is that “giving” is the present participle of “give,” used for ongoing actions, while “given” is the past participle, used for completed actions or assumptions.

• “I am giving a speech” → ongoing action.
  
• “The speech was given yesterday” → completed action.
  

2. When should I use “giving” in a sentence?

Use “giving” when talking about an action that is happening right now or is ongoing. It is commonly used in continuous tenses.

✔ Correct: “She is giving her friend a ride to work.”
❌ Incorrect: “She was giving her friend a ride yesterday.” (Unless describing a past continuous action.)

3. When should I use “given” in a sentence?

Use “given” when referring to something that has already happened or when stating an assumption/condition. It is often used in passive voice sentences.

✔ Correct: “The award was given to the best student.”
✔ Correct: “Given the circumstances, we postponed the event.”

4. Can “giving” and “given” ever be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot. “Giving” refers to an ongoing action, while “given” refers to a completed action.

• Incorrect: “I am given a speech right now.”
  
• Correct: “I am giving a speech right now.”
  
• Incorrect: “She has been giving a gift last week.”
  
• Correct: “She was given a gift last week.”
  

5. Can “given” be used as an adjective?

Yes! “Given” can be used as an adjective to indicate something assumed or taken for granted.

✔ Correct: “Given his experience, he was the best choice for the job.”
✔ Correct: “Given the weather, we decided to stay indoors.”

Conclusion: Mastering “Giving” and “Given” for Clear Communication

Now that you’ve learned the difference between “giving” and “given,” you can confidently use these words in the right context. Whether you’re writing professionally, crafting an email, or engaging in a conversation, understanding the subtleties of these words will improve the clarity and professionalism of your communication. Remember, “giving” is for actions in progress, while “given” is for past actions or assumptions. With practice, you’ll soon master these two forms and make your writing more polished and precise.