Have you ever stopped while writing a sentence and wondered about giving vs given? These two forms come from the same verb, give, so they look closely related. However, they do different jobs in a sentence. Choosing the wrong one can make a sentence sound awkward or grammatically incorrect.
The confusion becomes even greater because giving and given can appear in several different structures. For example, we say, “She is giving me advice,” but “She has given me advice.” We also use given in expressions such as “Given the circumstances, we decided to leave.” In contrast, giving often describes an action that is happening or an activity.
Understanding giving vs given is useful for everyday conversation, school assignments, emails, professional writing, and online communication. The good news is that the difference becomes much easier once you understand the verb forms behind these words.
In this guide, we will explain their meanings, grammar rules, sentence patterns, common mistakes, and practical uses. By the end, you will know exactly when to use giving and when to use given. Day Off vs Off Day | Aging vs Ageing | Die vs Dice
Quick Answer: Giving vs Given
Giving is the present participle or -ing form of the verb give. It is commonly used for an action that is happening now, a continuing action, or a gerund that functions as a noun.
Given is the past participle of give. It is commonly used with helping verbs such as has, have, had, is, was, and were, and it can also work as an adjective, noun, or preposition in certain structures.
Simple rule:
👉 Use giving for an ongoing action or an -ing activity.
👉 Use given for the past participle and for structures such as given the situation or given that.
Understanding the Basics of Giving vs Given
The easiest way to understand giving vs given is to first look at the basic forms of the verb give.
The main forms are:
- Give — base form
- Gave — simple past
- Given — past participle
- Giving — present participle and -ing form
Merriam-Webster lists gave as the past tense and given and giving as forms of the verb give.
Comparison Table
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example | Correct/Incorrect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Give | Base verb | To provide, offer, or transfer something | I give him advice. | ✅ Correct |
| Gave | Simple past | Gave something in the past | She gave me a gift. | ✅ Correct |
| Giving | Present participle / gerund | An action of giving or something happening | She is giving me a gift. | ✅ Correct |
| Given | Past participle | Something that has been given | She has given me a gift. | ✅ Correct |
| Giving | Used after certain verbs/prepositions | The act or process of giving | Giving is important. | ✅ Correct |
| Given | Preposition/adjective in special structures | Considering or assuming something | Given the weather, we stayed home. | ✅ Correct |
The important point is that giving and given are not interchangeable. Their meanings depend on the grammatical structure of the sentence.
What Does Giving Mean?
Giving is the -ing form of the verb give. It is the present participle of give, but it can also function as a gerund or adjective depending on how it is used.
For example:
She is giving me a book.
Here, giving describes an action that is happening.
The basic structure is:
Subject + be + giving + object
Examples:
- I am giving him my old laptop.
- She is giving her friend some advice.
- They are giving us directions.
- We are giving the students extra time.
In each sentence, the action is presented as ongoing.
Giving for an Action Happening Now
One of the most common uses of giving is in the present continuous tense.
Examples:
I am giving my brother some money.
She is giving a presentation.
They are giving free samples.
The structure is:
am/is/are + giving
This tells us that the action is happening around the present time.
Sentence Breakdown
Consider:
The teacher is giving the students a test.
- The teacher = subject
- is = helping verb
- giving = present participle
- the students = indirect object
- a test = direct object
The sentence describes an action in progress.
Giving as a Gerund
Giving can also act as a noun.
For example:
Giving is better than receiving.
Here, giving is not describing an action happening at this exact moment. It names the activity of giving.
More examples:
- Giving to others can make people feel happy.
- Giving honest feedback takes courage.
- Giving someone a second chance can be meaningful.
- Giving your time can be more valuable than giving money.
Merriam-Webster explains that an -ing form can function as a gerund when it acts like a noun.
Giving as an Adjective
The word giving can also describe someone who is generous or willing to help.
For example:
She is a very giving person.
Here, giving describes her personality.
Cambridge Dictionary also lists giving as an adjective meaning kind and willing to provide help, support, money, or other things.
Examples:
- He is a giving person.
- She has a warm and giving nature.
- They are known for being generous and giving.
What Does Given Mean?
Given is the past participle of give.
Cambridge Dictionary identifies given as the past participle of give.
The past participle is often used with helping verbs.
Examples:
I have given him the information.
She had given me the wrong address.
They have given us permission.
The basic structures include:
has/have + given
and
had + given
Given in the Present Perfect
Use given after has or have when forming the present perfect.
Examples:
- I have given you enough information.
- She has given me a useful suggestion.
- They have given us permission.
- We have given the students extra time.
Compare:
She is giving me advice.
with:
She has given me advice.
The first sentence focuses on an action in progress.
The second focuses on an action that has already happened, with a connection to the present.
Given in the Past Perfect
Use given after had for the past perfect.
Example:
She had given me the answer before the teacher arrived.
The structure is:
had + given
This tells us that the giving happened before another past event.
More examples:
- He had given the documents to his manager.
- They had given us clear instructions.
- I had already given her the information.
- We had given the team enough time.
Given as an Adjective
Given can also function as an adjective.
For example:
At a given time, everyone must be ready.
Here, given means a particular or specified time.
Merriam-Webster lists given as an adjective meaning “particular” or “specified,” among other meanings.
Examples:
- Any given day can bring a surprise.
- At a given point, we must make a decision.
- The students must finish the task within the given time.
- We need to work with the given information.
Given Information
The phrase given information is especially common in academic and professional writing.
Example:
Use the given information to solve the problem.
Here, given means information that has already been provided.
Given as a Preposition
One especially important use of given is as a preposition meaning considering or taking something into account.
Examples:
Given the weather, we canceled the trip.
Given his experience, he should understand the problem.
Given the circumstances, we made the best decision.
In these examples, given means something like:
- considering
- taking into account
- in view of
Cambridge Dictionary identifies this use of given and provides examples such as “Given his age…” and “given the fact that…”
Given That
Another common structure is:
given that + clause
Examples:
Given that it was raining, we stayed inside.
Given that she was tired, she went home early.
Given that the deadline is tomorrow, we should start now.
This structure introduces a fact or condition that influences the main statement.
Giving vs Given in Different Verb Tenses
Understanding verb tenses makes the difference much easier.
Present Continuous
Use giving:
She is giving me a book.
Structure:
is/am/are + giving
Past Continuous
Use giving:
She was giving me a book.
Structure:
was/were + giving
Present Perfect
Use given:
She has given me a book.
Structure:
has/have + given
Past Perfect
Use given:
She had given me a book.
Structure:
had + given
Future Perfect
Use given:
She will have given me the book by tomorrow.
Structure:
will have + given
This pattern is extremely useful.
If you see has, have, had, or will have before the verb in a perfect construction, you normally need the past participle given, not giving.
A Simple Way to Remember the Difference
Think of the two words this way:
Giving = happening or being done
She is giving me advice.
The action is happening.
Given = already provided or considered
She has given me advice.
The action has been completed.
Or:
Given the situation, we should wait.
Here, given means “considering.”
A useful memory trick is:
Giving → -ing → action in progress or activity
Given → past participle → used with perfect tenses or special structures
Correct Meanings and Uses of Giving
1. Giving for an Ongoing Action
Use giving when an action is happening.
The manager is giving instructions.
The manager is currently performing the action.
2. Giving for an Activity
Use giving as a gerund.
Giving advice is easy.
Here, giving advice is the subject of the sentence.
3. Giving for a Habit or General Activity
Examples:
Giving to charity is a good habit.
Giving people honest feedback can be difficult.
The word refers to the general activity.
4. Giving as a Description of Personality
Example:
She is very giving.
Here, giving means generous or helpful.
Correct Meanings and Uses of Given
1. Given as a Past Participle
He has given me the keys.
The word given completes the present perfect construction.
2. Given as an Adjective
We must follow the given instructions.
Here, given means instructions that were provided.
3. Given Meaning “Considering”
Given the circumstances, we decided to leave.
Here, given means “considering.”
4. Given as a Noun
Given can also be used as a noun when it means something accepted as true or certain.
For example:
It is a given that prices will change.
Merriam-Webster lists given as a noun meaning something taken for granted or treated as a basic condition or assumption.
Test Tip: How to Choose Giving or Given
When you are unsure, ask yourself one simple question:
Is the action happening or being described as an activity?
If yes, giving may be correct.
She is giving a speech.
Giving advice requires experience.
Is the word being used as a past participle?
If yes, use given.
She has given a speech.
They had given us enough time.
Does “given” mean “considering”?
If yes, use given.
Given the circumstances, we should wait.
This quick test works in many everyday situations.
Case Study: Giving vs Given in the Workplace
Imagine an employee writing an email to a manager.
The employee wants to explain that the manager is currently providing instructions.
Incorrect:
The manager is given us new instructions.
Correct:
The manager is giving us new instructions.
Why?
Because the action is happening now, so we use:
is + giving
Now imagine the employee wants to say that the manager has already provided the instructions.
Correct:
The manager has given us new instructions.
Why?
Because has + given forms the present perfect.
Now consider another sentence:
Given the tight deadline, we need to finish the report today.
Here, given does not mean that someone physically handed something to someone. It means considering the tight deadline.
This example shows why context matters so much when choosing between giving and given.
Grammar Rules for Giving vs Given
The grammar behind these forms is straightforward once the role of each form is understood.
Rule 1: Use Giving After Be for Continuous Actions
Use:
am/is/are + giving
or:
was/were + giving
Examples:
- I am giving you the details.
- She is giving a speech.
- They are giving us directions.
- He was giving instructions.
Rule 2: Use Given After Have or Had in Perfect Tenses
Use:
has/have + given
or:
had + given
Examples:
- I have given him the answer.
- She has given us permission.
- They had given the report to the manager.
Rule 3: Use Given for “Considering”
Examples:
- Given the weather, we stayed home.
- Given his experience, he should know better.
- Given the circumstances, this result is understandable.
Rule 4: Use Giving as a Gerund
Examples:
- Giving is important.
- Giving advice can be difficult.
- Giving people support matters.
Merriam-Webster explains the distinction between gerunds and participles: both can have an -ing form, but a gerund functions as a noun, while a present participle is used in verb forms and can also function adjectivally.
Why “Given” Is Not Simply the Past Form of “Giving”
A common misunderstanding is that giving changes directly into given as a normal tense change.
The actual verb pattern is:
give → gave → given
The -ing form is:
give → giving
So:
- Base form: give
- Simple past: gave
- Past participle: given
- Present participle: giving
For example:
I give him advice every day.
I gave him advice yesterday.
I have given him advice already.
I am giving him advice now.
Each form has a different grammatical role.
Common Mistakes with Giving vs Given
Mistakes with these words usually happen because they both come from the same verb.
Mistake 1: Using Given After “Is”
❌ She is given me the book.
✅ She is giving me the book.
Why?
Because is + giving creates a continuous action.
Mistake 2: Using Giving After “Has”
❌ She has giving me the book.
✅ She has given me the book.
Why?
Because has + given creates the present perfect.
Mistake 3: Confusing “Given” With “Giving”
❌ Given advice to students is helpful.
If the intended meaning is the activity of providing advice, the better sentence is:
✅ Giving advice to students is helpful.
Mistake 4: Using Giving in “Given the Situation”
❌ Giving the situation, we decided to leave.
✅ Given the situation, we decided to leave.
Here, given means “considering.”
Similar Grammar Confusions
Learning giving vs given can also help you understand other commonly confused forms.
| Confusion | Correct Difference |
|---|---|
| It’s vs its | It’s = it is; its = possessive |
| You’re vs your | You’re = you are; your = possessive |
| They’re vs their | They’re = they are; their = possessive |
| Affect vs effect | Affect is usually a verb; effect is usually a noun |
| Lay vs lie | Different verb patterns and meanings |
| Gave vs given | Gave = simple past; given = past participle |
| Giving vs given | Giving = -ing form; given = past participle/special uses |
| Then vs than | Then relates to time; than is used in comparisons |
Why Do These Mistakes Happen?
Several everyday factors can cause grammar mistakes:
Fast Typing
When people type quickly, they may choose the first form that comes to mind.
Autocorrect
Phones and computers sometimes change words automatically or suggest the wrong form.
Lack of Grammar Knowledge
If someone has not learned verb forms clearly, giving and given can easily seem interchangeable.
Similar Sounds
The words come from the same verb, so learners may focus on meaning instead of grammatical form.
The best solution is not simply memorizing individual sentences. Learn the structure behind the sentence.
Giving vs Given in Everyday Conversation
Both forms are very common in spoken English.
Giving in Conversation
Examples:
What are you giving him?
I’m giving her my old phone.
Are they giving you enough time?
Thanks for giving me a chance.
Notice that giving can appear after for as part of an -ing phrase:
Thanks for giving me a chance.
Given in Conversation
Examples:
I’ve given him the message.
She has given me permission.
Given the weather, I don’t think we should go.
You’ve given me something to think about.
These structures are natural in everyday American English.
Giving vs Given in Professional Writing
Professional writing requires extra care because small grammar mistakes can affect credibility.
Giving in Professional Writing
Examples:
We are giving the team additional time to complete the project.
The company is giving employees more training.
Giving clear instructions can reduce mistakes.
Given in Professional Writing
Examples:
We have given the client all the necessary information.
The manager has given approval for the project.
Given the current schedule, the deadline may need to change.
In professional writing, given the circumstances, given the available information, and given the current situation are especially useful phrases.
Giving vs Given in Creative Writing
Creative writers can use both forms to create different effects.
Giving
She was giving everything she had to the final performance.
This emphasizes the ongoing action.
Given
Given the darkness around him, he could barely see the road.
Here, given introduces a circumstance.
Creative writing often relies on context, so choosing the correct form helps readers understand exactly what is happening.
Giving vs Given in Social Media and Texting
Social media and texting are usually more relaxed, but correct grammar still improves clarity.
Examples:
Giving away some old books today! 📚
Thanks for giving me this opportunity! 🙌
I’ve given it some thought.
Given everything that happened, I’m glad we’re okay.
People may shorten sentences online, but the difference between giving and given remains the same.
Why Giving vs Given Matters
You might wonder why such a small difference matters.
It matters because grammar tells readers how words relate to one another.
1. Clarity
Compare:
She is giving me the report.
with:
She has given me the report.
The first focuses on an action in progress. The second indicates that the report has already been provided.
2. Professionalism
A sentence such as:
We have giving the client the information.
looks incorrect.
The correct version is:
We have given the client the information.
Correct grammar creates a more professional impression.
3. Accuracy in Digital Communication
Emails, applications, websites, social posts, and messages are often read quickly. Clear grammar helps readers understand your meaning without stopping to interpret the sentence.
4. Better Confidence
Once you understand the pattern, you no longer need to guess.
As a simple reminder:
“Correct grammar makes your meaning easier to see.”
Special Exceptions and Edge Cases
There is no major spelling exception that makes giving and given interchangeable. However, given has several additional grammatical roles that learners should remember.
Given as a Preposition
Given the circumstances, we should wait.
Given as an Adjective
Follow the given instructions.
Given as a Noun
It is a given that she will attend.
Giving as a Noun
Charitable giving has increased.
Cambridge Dictionary lists giving as a noun for the act of giving money or other things, while given can function as a past participle, preposition, adjective, or noun depending on context.
These are not errors or unusual exceptions. They are legitimate uses of the words.
Sentence Patterns to Memorize
Here are some useful patterns.
Pattern 1: Be + Giving
Subject + am/is/are + giving
She is giving me advice.
Pattern 2: Be + Giving in the Past
Subject + was/were + giving
She was giving me advice.
Pattern 3: Have + Given
Subject + has/have + given
She has given me advice.
Pattern 4: Had + Given
Subject + had + given
She had given me advice.
Pattern 5: Given + Noun
Given + situation/fact/circumstance
Given the situation, we should wait.
Pattern 6: Giving + Object as a Gerund
Giving + object + verb
Giving advice requires experience.
Learning these six patterns can make giving vs given much easier.
Quick Recap Checklist
| Question | If Yes → Use |
|---|---|
| Is the action happening now? | Giving |
| Is the action continuing? | Giving |
| Is the -ing form acting as a noun? | Giving |
| Does it describe a generous person? | Giving |
| Does it follow has/have in a perfect tense? | Given |
| Does it follow had in the past perfect? | Given |
| Does it mean “considering”? | Given |
| Does it describe something already provided? | Given |
| Does it mean something accepted as true? | Given |
Practice Examples
1. She is ________ a presentation right now.
Answer: giving
She is giving a presentation right now.
2. She has ________ a presentation already.
Answer: given
She has given a presentation already.
3. ________ the heavy rain, we canceled the event.
Answer: Given
Given the heavy rain, we canceled the event.
More Examples of Giving vs Given
Giving
- He is giving his friend a ride.
- We are giving the students more time.
- She is giving a speech tonight.
- They were giving away free samples.
- Giving support to others is important.
- Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
- She is a very giving person.
Given
- He has given his friend a ride.
- We have given the students more time.
- She has given a speech.
- They had given away the free samples.
- Given the circumstances, we stayed home.
- The information given to us was useful.
- It is a given that the rules must be followed.
Giving vs Given: A Direct Comparison
Consider these pairs carefully.
Pair 1
❌ He is given me money.
✅ He is giving me money.
The continuous form requires giving.
Pair 2
❌ He has giving me money.
✅ He has given me money.
The perfect form requires given.
Pair 3
❌ Giving the circumstances, we left.
✅ Given the circumstances, we left.
Here, given means “considering.”
Pair 4
✅ Giving money to charity is generous.
Here, giving is a gerund and acts as the subject.
Pair 5
✅ The money given to charity helped many people.
Here, given describes the money that was donated.
These examples show that the choice depends on grammatical function, not simply on the meaning of the main verb.
FAQs About Giving vs Given
1. What is the main difference between giving and given?
Giving is the -ing form of give and is commonly used for ongoing actions, activities, and gerunds. Given is the past participle of give and is used in perfect tenses and structures such as given the situation.
2. Is “giving” the present participle of give?
Yes. Giving is the present participle of give. It is commonly used with forms of be to create continuous tenses, such as “She is giving a speech.”
3. Is “given” the past tense of give?
No. The simple past of give is gave. The past participle is given.
The pattern is:
give → gave → given
For example:
I give.
I gave.
I have given.
4. Should I say “has giving” or “has given”?
Use has given.
Correct:
She has given me the information.
Incorrect:
She has giving me the information.
The present perfect requires the past participle given.
5. Should I say “is giving” or “is given”?
Both can be grammatically correct, but they have different structures and meanings.
Is giving usually describes an active action:
She is giving me a book.
Is given can be passive:
The award is given to the winner.
So the correct choice depends on what you mean.
6. What does “given the situation” mean?
Given the situation means considering the situation or taking the situation into account.
Example:
Given the situation, we decided to wait.
This means:
Considering the situation, we decided to wait.
Final Conclusion
The difference between giving vs given becomes simple once you understand their grammatical roles. Giving is the -ing form of give. It is commonly used for actions in progress, general activities, gerunds, and descriptions of generous people. Given is the past participle of give. It is commonly used with has, have, and had, and it also appears in expressions such as given the situation, where it means “considering.”
Remember the basic verb pattern:
give → gave → given
And remember that:
giving = -ing form
given = past participle
For example:
She is giving me advice.
She has given me advice.
Given the circumstances, we should wait.
Once you learn these patterns, you can choose the correct word without guessing. Whether you are writing an email, completing an assignment, posting online, or having a conversation, the right form makes your message clearer and more natural.
When the action is in progress, think “giving.” When the past participle or “considering” is needed, think “given.”
Hi, I’m Matthew Collins, a writer and editor at Gramcora. I create helpful content on grammar, spelling, and writing techniques to make learning English easier and more enjoyable for readers worldwide.
