Given vs. Gave: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Given is the past participle of "give," often used as an adjective. Gave is the past tense of "give."
Key Differences
Given is primarily used as the past participle form of the verb "give." It can be used in various tenses, especially the perfect tenses, to indicate an action that has been completed. Gave, on the other hand, is the simple past tense form of "give" which denotes an action that occurred in the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
In the sentence "I have given him my book," the word "given" is used to indicate a past action that has relevance to the present moment. In contrast, in the sentence "I gave him my book yesterday," the word "gave" signifies a definitive action that took place in the past.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Given can also function as an adjective, denoting something that is assumed or a premise. For instance, "Given the circumstances, we did our best." In this context, it indicates an assumption or premise. Gave, on the contrary, remains strictly a verb, representing the action of giving.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Another distinct use of given is in passive voice sentences. For instance, "The award was given to the best performer." Here, the focus is on the recipient of the action, not the doer. In contrast, "She gave the award to the best performer," is an active voice with "gave" representing a past action.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
To summarize, while both given and gave originate from the verb "give," they have distinct grammatical and functional differences. Given can act as both verb (past participle) and adjective, while gave is strictly the past tense form of the verb.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Tenses
Used in perfect tenses (e.g., has given, had given)
Used in simple past (e.g., she gave)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Additional Functions
Can be an adjective (e.g., given circumstances)
Strictly a verb
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Usage in Voice
Common in passive voice (e.g., was given)
Common in active voice
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Relating to Assumptions
Can indicate an assumption or premise (e.g., given the situation)
Doesn't have this function
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Given and Gave Definitions
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Given
Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed
Given the condition of the engine, it is a wonder that it even starts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Something assumed or taken for granted
"It's a given that the writer of short stories will be keeping his day job" (Donald E. Westlake).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
A condition that is assumed to be true without further evaluation.
When evaluating this math problem, don't forget to read the givens.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Specified in advance;
A given number
We will meet at a given time and location
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
Acknowledged as a supposition;
Given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
Given
(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward;
He is apt to ignore matters he considers unimportant
I am not minded to answer any questions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2022
FAQs
What is the primary grammatical role of "Given"?
Given is the past participle form of "give."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Does "Gave" function as an adjective like "Given"?
No, "Gave" is strictly a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Given" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "Given" can be used as an adjective to denote something assumed or pre-established.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Gave" be used in passive voice?
Not typically. "Gave" is more commonly used in active voice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Given" indicate an assumption?
Yes, e.g., "Given the circumstances, we decided to leave."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can "Given" be used in present perfect tense?
Yes, as in "She has given her all."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
How is "Given" used to show inclination?
As in "He is given to bouts of anger."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
How is "Given" used in passive voice?
In passive voice, "Given" indicates a completed action, e.g., "The medal was given to him."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is "Gave" used to denote assumptions or specifications?
No, "Gave" strictly denotes a past action of giving.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
What's a common adjective use of "Given"?
As in "given circumstances" or "given situation."
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
How do you use "Given" in future perfect tense?
"By tomorrow, I will have given the report."
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
