Giving vs Given - Grammar Scholars

When I began teaching English, I quickly saw how often students get confused by “Giving vs Given.” These two forms come from the same verb “give” but serve different purposes in grammar. Giving appears in continuous tenses, like “She is giving a presentation,” showing an action in progress. Meanwhile, given works as a past participle, useful in perfect tenses or passive voice, like “He has given his response.” To clarify this, I created a comprehensive guide that breaks down their grammatical roles. It’s been essential in building understanding, especially for new learners who aim to master the basics of English. Students often mix up “Giving vs Given”, but a clear guide on usage and tenses can sharpen understanding and build grammar confidence fast.

In real-life contexts, I make it easier by giving practical examples: “Thanks for giving me advice” versus “The advice was given kindly.”

These small changes shift the sentence structure and tone. A strong definition of both forms helps students spot the correct usage without second-guessing. While textbook definitions lay the foundation, applying them across different tenses adds clarity. A quick review, supported with relatable contexts, boosts a learner’s grasp of English grammar and improves their confidence in both writing and speaking.

Understanding “Giving” and “Given”

“Giving” – The Present Participle

Definition: “Giving” is the present participle form of the verb “give.” It is used to indicate an ongoing action or to form continuous tenses.
Usage:
- Continuous Tenses: “She is giving a presentation.”
- Gerund (noun form): “Giving is caring.”

“Given” – The Past Participle

Definition: “Given” is the past participle form of “give.” It is used to indicate a completed action or to form perfect tenses and passive voice constructions.
Usage:
- Perfect Tenses: “He has given his consent.”
- Passive Voice: “The award was given to her.”

The Role of “Giving” in Continuous Tenses

Present Continuous Usage of “Giving”

Structure: [Subject] + [am/is/are] + giving
Example: “They are giving their best effort.”

Past Continuous Usage of “Giving”

Structure: [Subject] + [was/were] + giving
Example: “She was giving a lecture when the power went out.”

Perfect Continuous Forms

Present Perfect Continuous: [Subject] + [has/have been] + giving
- Example: “I have been giving it some thought.”
Past Perfect Continuous: [Subject] + [had been] + giving
- Example: “They had been giving donations before the campaign ended.”

Expanding the Usage of “Given”

“Given” as an Adjective

Usage: To indicate something is assumed or known.
Example: “Given the circumstances, we had to cancel the event.”

“Given” as a Preposition

Usage: To mean “considering” or “given.”
Example: “Given his experience, he was the best candidate.”

“Given” in Perfect Tenses and Passive Voice

Perfect Tenses:
- Present Perfect: “She has given her approval.”
- Past Perfect: “They had given their word.”
Passive Voice:
- Example: “The instructions were given clearly.”

Examples in Present and Past Perfect Tenses

Tense	Structure	Example
Present Perfect	[Subject] + has/have + given	“I have given my opinion.”
Past Perfect	[Subject] + had + given	“He had given his best performance.”

Passive Voice Construction

Structure: [Subject] + [form of “be”] + given + [object]
Example: “The medal was given to the athlete.”

Alternative Meanings and Uses of “Giving” and “Given”

Common Idioms with “Giving”

“Giving up”: To quit or surrender.
- Example: “He is giving up smoking.”
“Giving in”: To yield or concede.
- Example: “She is giving in to the pressure.”

Common Idioms with “Given”

“Given that”: Considering that.
- Example: “Given that it’s raining, we’ll stay indoors.”

Practical Tips to Remember When to Use “Giving” vs “Given”

Use “giving” when referring to an ongoing action or when the verb functions as a noun.
Use “given” when referring to a completed action, in perfect tenses, passive constructions, or as an adjective/preposition.

Usage Comparison Table: “Giving” vs “Given”

Function / Context	Giving	Given
Verb Form	Present participle	Past participle
Used in Continuous Tenses?	✔ Yes	✘ No
Used in Perfect Tenses?	✘ No	✔ Yes
Can Function as a Noun?	✔ Yes (Gerund)	✘ No
Can it act as an Adjective?	✘ No	✔ Yes (e.g., “a given value”)
Can it act as a Preposition?	✘ No	✔ Yes (e.g., “Given the situation”)
Active or Passive Use?	Active (ongoing action)	Passive (completed or received action)
Common Collocations	Giving up, giving birth, giving in	Given that, given the chance, given facts
Example Sentence	“She is giving a speech.”	“The gift was given with love.”

Real-Life Examples of “Giving” and “Given” in Everyday English

To truly master when to use “giving” or “given,” seeing them in real-life contexts is essential. Below are practical examples drawn from casual conversations, news articles, academic writing, and business communication:

Conversational English:
- “I’m giving it all I’ve got!” (Present continuous for emphasis in speech)
- “Given the time, we should leave now.” (Prepositional use for planning)
Academic English:
- “Given that most participants were absent, the study was postponed.” (Formal usage for reasoning)
Business English:
- “The CEO is giving a keynote address at the summit.”
- “Bonuses were given to high-performing employees.”

These examples show how both terms function in different tones and settings-highlighting the need for precision in formal versus informal contexts.

How to Practice Using “Giving” vs “Given” Effectively

Learning the rules is one thing; applying them fluently takes practice. Here are practical methods to help you build confidence:

Practice Activities

Sentence Creation: Write 10 new sentences each using “giving” and “given.”
Transformation Exercise: Take a sentence with “giving” and rewrite it using “given,” where possible, and vice versa.
Daily Language Journal: Record examples of where you hear or see “giving” and “given” in your everyday life- TV shows, books, conversations.

Online Resources for Practice

British Council – Grammar Exercises
Grammarly Blog – Verb Tense Resources
Cambridge English – Grammar and Vocabulary

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between “giving” and “given” is more than just memorizing grammar rules- it’s about using English confidently and correctly in both writing and conversation. “Giving” reflects an ongoing action or process, while “given” represents a completed action or a condition. The key to mastering them is context. Whether you’re building complex sentences, writing essays, or chatting casually, using the right form helps you sound natural and precise.

To internalize their meanings:

Pay attention to tenses.
Identify if the sentence is active or passive.
Look for function: is it a verb, noun, adjective, or preposition?

With consistent practice, exposure, and mindful usage, these two grammatical forms will no longer feel confusing but will become second nature.

FAQs

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

“Giving” is the present participle form used in continuous tenses and as a gerund (noun). “Given” is the past participle used in perfect tenses, passive voice, and sometimes as an adjective or preposition.

Can “given” be used at the start of a sentence?

Yes. When “given” is used as a preposition or to set a condition, it often starts a sentence.
Example: “Given his background, he was the obvious choice.”

Is “giving” ever used in passive voice?

No. “Giving” is an active form that describes an ongoing action. Passive constructions require the past participle, so “given” is used instead.
Example: “The prize is being given to the winner.”