Giving vs given confuses many writers, students, and even professionals. These two words come from the same verb, yet they serve different grammatical roles. Use the wrong one, and your sentence can sound awkward or incorrect. Use the right one, and your writing feels polished and confident.
This guide explains giving vs given in a simple, friendly way. You’ll learn what each word means, how grammar rules shape their usage, and how to avoid common mistakes. Clear examples, tables, and practical tips will help you master these words fast.
You’ll also see real-world examples from academic writing, business communication, and everyday speech. That way, you won’t just memorize rules—you’ll understand how people actually use these words.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use giving and when to use given.
Quick Answer: Giving vs Given
If you want the short version, here it is:
- Giving shows an action happening now or repeatedly.
- Given shows an action completed in the past or something assumed or considered.
Giving vs Given at a Glance
| Word | Part of Speech | Main Use | Example |
| Giving | Present participle / gerund | Ongoing or repeated action | She is giving advice. |
| Given | Past participle / adjective | Completed or assumed action | He has given approval. |
This quick table answers most questions, but deeper grammar rules explain why these forms work.
What Does “Giving” Mean in Grammar?
Giving comes from the verb give. It is the present participle form. English uses present participles to show actions in progress or continuous actions.
Giving as a Present Participle
Use giving with helping verbs like is, are, was, and were. This structure forms continuous tenses.
Examples:
- She is giving a presentation.
- They were giving feedback during the meeting.
- I am giving you a chance to explain.
These sentences focus on actions happening right now or in a specific moment in time.
Fact: In English grammar, present participles always end in -ing. They describe actions that are ongoing, habitual, or temporary.
Giving as a Gerund (Noun Form)
A gerund is a verb that acts like a noun. Giving can function as a noun in a sentence.
Examples:
- Giving makes people happy.
- She believes in giving back to the community.
- Giving requires empathy and generosity.
In these sentences, giving acts as the subject or object of the sentence.
Quote:
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” — Kathy Calvin
This quote shows how giving can express a concept or idea, not just an action.
What Does “Given” Mean in Grammar?
Given is the past participle form of give. Past participles appear in perfect tenses and passive constructions.
Given as a Past Participle
Use given with helping verbs like has, have, and had. These forms create perfect tenses.
Examples:
- She has given her final answer.
- They have given consent.
- He had given the documents earlier.
These sentences describe actions completed before another time.
Grammar Fact: The past participle often expresses a completed action or a result state.
Given in Passive Voice
Passive voice uses given when the subject receives the action.
Examples:
- The award was given to her.
- Instructions were given to the team.
- A warning was given before the event.
Passive sentences shift focus from the doer to the receiver. This structure is common in formal writing, legal documents, and academic research.
Given as an Adjective or Preposition
Given also works as an adjective or preposition-like word. It means considering or assuming.
Examples:
- Given the budget, we chose a smaller venue.
- Given his experience, he should lead the project.
- Given the data, the conclusion seems valid.
This usage is common in academic writing and logical arguments.
Giving vs Given in Sentence Structures
Understanding tense and structure makes choosing between giving and given easy.
Present Continuous vs Perfect Tense
Present Continuous:
- She is giving a lecture.
Present Perfect:
- She has given a lecture.
The first sentence focuses on the action happening now. The second sentence focuses on the completed action.
Tip: Ask yourself, “Is this happening now or already done?” That question usually gives you the answer.
Read More” Is It Correct to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You?” A Complete Guide
Active vs Passive Voice Differences
Active voice focuses on the subject performing the action. Passive voice focuses on the object receiving it.
Active:
- The teacher is giving homework.
Passive:
- Homework was given by the teacher.
Active voice sounds more direct and conversational. Passive voice sounds formal and objective.
Common Mistakes With Giving and Given
Many learners mix these forms. These mistakes can confuse readers.
Mistake 1: Using “Giving” After Helping Verbs
Incorrect:
- She has giving permission.
Correct:
- She has given permission.
Use given after has, have, or had.
Mistake 2: Using “Given” for Ongoing Actions
Incorrect:
- He is given advice.
Correct:
- He is giving advice.
Use giving for actions happening now.
Mistake 3: Confusing Passive and Active Forms
Incorrect:
- The prize is giving to her.
Correct:
- The prize is given to her.
Passive structures require given.
Before and After Correction Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
| She has giving a gift. | She has given a gift. |
| They are given feedback. | They are giving feedback. |
| Instructions were giving. | Instructions were given. |
Practical Usage Scenarios
Seeing giving vs given in real contexts helps you remember the rules.
Academic Writing Examples
Academic writing often uses given in formal contexts.
Examples:
- Given the sample size, the results appear reliable.
- Participants were given a questionnaire.
- The researcher has given a detailed explanation.
Academic tone prefers passive structures to emphasize data, not the researcher.
Business and Professional Communication
Business writing uses both forms depending on tone.
Examples:
- We are giving customers a limited-time discount.
- The team has given approval for the project.
- Instructions were given during the briefing.
Active voice sounds friendly and direct. Passive voice sounds official and formal.
Everyday Conversation Examples
Casual speech uses giving more often.
Examples:
- I’m giving you a heads-up.
- She’s giving me a call later.
- He has given me his number.
People naturally use continuous forms in daily conversation.
Quick Rules to Remember
Memorize these simple rules to avoid confusion:
- Use giving for actions happening now or repeatedly.
- Use given for actions completed or assumed.
- Use given in passive sentences.
- Use giving when it acts like a noun.
Mnemonic Trick
Think of G-I-V-I-N-G as Going on Now.
Think of G-I-V-E-N as Ended Now.
This simple memory trick helps you choose the correct word quickly.
Exercises and Practice Sentences
Try these sentences. Fill in giving or given.
- She is ______ a speech.
- They have ______ approval.
- The teacher was ______ instructions.
- ______ the circumstances, we agreed.
- He enjoys ______ advice.
Answer Key
- giving
- given
- giving
- Given
- giving
Practice strengthens understanding and builds confidence.
Advanced Grammar Insight: Gerunds vs Participles
Giving can be both a gerund and a participle. The difference depends on how it functions.
Participles Describe Actions
- She is giving a lecture.
Gerunds Act Like Nouns
- Giving is rewarding.
Given cannot be a gerund. It functions as a participle or adjective.
Case Study: Giving vs Given in Legal and Academic Texts
Legal and academic documents rely heavily on precise grammar.
Legal Example:
- Consent was given in writing.
Academic Example:
- Participants were given standardized instructions.
These fields prefer given because passive voice sounds objective and neutral.
Linguistic Facts About “Give” Forms
- Give is an irregular verb.
- Present: give
- Past: gave
- Past participle: given
- Present participle: giving
English irregular verbs often confuse learners because they don’t follow standard -ed rules.
FAQs About Giving vs Given
Is “given” the past tense of “give”?
No. Gave is the simple past tense. Given is the past participle.
Can “giving” be a noun?
Yes. Giving can act as a gerund, which functions like a noun.
When should I use “given that”?
Use given that to mean considering or assuming. It introduces a condition or reason.
Is “was giving” correct?
Yes. Was giving is the past continuous tense and describes an action in progress in the past.
What is the difference between “has given” and “is giving”?
- Has given describes a completed action.
- Is giving describes an action happening now.
Conclusion: Mastering Giving vs Given
Giving vs given becomes easy once you understand tense and sentence structure. Use giving for ongoing actions or when the word acts like a noun. Use given for completed actions, passive sentences, and conditional expressions.
Mastering these forms improves clarity, professionalism, and confidence in writing and speaking. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a business email, or a casual message, choosing the right form makes your language sound natural and polished.
Practice these rules, review the examples, and test yourself often. Over time, choosing between giving and given will feel automatic.
