Given vs. Giving: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 3, 2023
"Given" is primarily the past participle of "give" or can denote a specified factor in a context, while "Giving" is the present participle of "give" indicating the act of bestowing something.
Key Differences
The word "Given" can function in various roles in the English language. Most commonly, it serves as the past participle of the verb "give". For instance, "She has given her best effort." On the other hand, "Giving" is the present participle form of "give" and often denotes the ongoing act of providing or donating, as in "She is giving a presentation."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Beyond its participial uses, "Given" can also act as a preposition or adjective. When used as a preposition, "Given" signifies considering a certain factor, such as "Given the circumstances, we should reconsider." Conversely, "Giving" in its adjective form can describe someone as generous or charitable, like "He has a giving nature."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
In mathematical or logical contexts, "Given" can be used to denote a known or established fact or condition. For example, "Given that A equals B, we can deduce C." Meanwhile, "Giving" doesn't have a mathematical connotation but remains rooted in its association with acts of generosity or donation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
From a grammatical angle, "Given" and "Giving" represent different verb forms. "Given" stands as the past participle form, fitting into perfect verb tenses, while "Giving" represents the present participle form, suitable for continuous or progressive tenses.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
In summary, while both "Given" and "Giving" stem from the verb "give", they have distinct roles and applications in language. "Given" functions more broadly, acting as a verb, preposition, or adjective, while "Giving" primarily denotes ongoing acts of bestowing or describes generosity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Past participle, adjective, preposition.
Present participle, adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Primary Use
Represents an action completed or known factor.
Indicates the ongoing act of bestowing.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Example Context
Perfect tenses, mathematical/logical premises.
Continuous tenses, describing generosity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Secondary Meanings
Specified or known factor in a context.
Characterized by readiness to bestow.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Example Usage
"Given her expertise, she led the project."
"She's always giving to charitable causes."
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
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Given and Giving Definitions
Given
Specifying a particular factor or premise.
Given the rain, we stayed indoors.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Given
An established fact in a situation.
The given variables in the equation are X and Y.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
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Giving
Indicating an action of donation or presentation.
The giving of gifts is a holiday tradition.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Giving
To deliver in exchange or recompense; pay
Gave five dollars for the book.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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 08, 2023
Giving
To let go for a price; sell
Gave the used car away for two thousand dollars.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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 08, 2023
Giving
To bestow, especially officially; confer
The Bill of Rights gives us freedom of speech.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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 08, 2023
Giving
To put temporarily at the disposal of
Gave them the cottage for a week.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To entrust to another, usually for a specified reason
Gave me the keys for safekeeping.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To communicate, convey, or offer for conveyance
Give him my best wishes. Give us the latest news.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To endure the loss of; sacrifice
Gave her son to the war.
Gave her life for her country.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Specified in advance;
A given number
We will meet at a given time and location
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Given
Acknowledged as a supposition;
Given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
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 08, 2023
Giving
To submit for consideration, acceptance, or use
Give an opinion.
Give an excuse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To consent to engage (oneself) in sexual intercourse with another person.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To be a source of; afford
His remark gave offense. Music gives her pleasure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To cause to catch or be subject to (a disease or bodily condition)
The draft gave me a cold.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To guide or direct, as by persuasion or behavior. Used with an infinitive phrase
You gave me to imagine you approved of my report.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To manifest or show
Gives promise of brilliance.
Gave evidence of tampering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To take an interest to the extent of
"My dear, I don't give a damn" (Margaret Mitchell).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
To collapse from force or pressure
The roof gave under the weight of the snow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
The quality or condition of resilience; springiness
"Fruits that have some give ... will have more juice than hard ones" (Elizabeth Schneider).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
The act of softening, breaking, or yielding.
His givings out were of an infinite distanceFrom his true meant design.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
The imparting of news or promises etc.;
He gave us the news and made a great show of the giving
Giving his word of honor seemed to come too easily
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
Disposing of property by voluntary transfer without receiving value in return;
The alumni followed a program of annual giving
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
Giving
Given or giving freely;
Was a big tipper
The bounteous goodness of God
Bountiful compliments
A freehanded host
A handsome allowance
Saturday's child is loving and giving
A liberal backer of the arts
A munificent gift
Her fond and openhanded grandfather
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 08, 2023
FAQs
Can "Giving" be used as a noun?
Yes, "Giving" can be a noun denoting the act of giving, like in "charitable giving."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Given" only used in mathematical contexts?
No, while it can specify known factors in math, it's also used in everyday language.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Giving Tuesday" related to the term "Giving"?
Yes, "Giving Tuesday" is a day promoting charitable giving.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
How is "Given" different from "Given to"?
"Given" can indicate a past action or known fact. "Given to" often means prone to, like "given to bouts of anger."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
What's the opposite of "Given" when used as a known factor?
When "Given" denotes a known factor, its opposite might be "unknown" or "variable."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Giving" describe a person?
Yes, describing someone as "giving" means they're generous or charitable.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Giving" relate to non-material things?
Yes, one can be "giving" of their time, energy, or attention.
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Given" always related to the past?
Not always. While "Given" can indicate a past action, it can also mean a specified or known factor.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
How is "Given" used as a preposition?
As a preposition, "Given" introduces a fact or premise, like "Given his age, he's quite agile."
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Given name" someone's first name?
Yes, a "Given name" is typically a person's first name, as opposed to their surname.
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Giving in" related to "Giving"?
Yes, "Giving in" is a phrasal verb meaning to yield or surrender.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Giving" describe land?
Yes, land described as "giving" is often fertile and productive.
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 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
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
