Giving or given can look confusing because both words come from the verb give, but they perform different grammatical jobs. Choosing the right form depends on the sentence structure, tense, voice, and intended meaning.
The key is not to memorize random examples. Instead, learn what giving and given are doing inside a sentence. Once you understand their roles, the difference becomes much easier to recognize.
Giving is the -ing form of give. It commonly functions as a present participle or gerund. Given is the past participle of give, and it appears in perfect tenses, passive constructions, and several established expressions.
Let’s make the distinction simple.
The Core Rule Explained Simply
The basic rule is straightforward:
Giving usually describes an action that is happening, continuing, or functioning as a noun.
Given usually describes an action that has been completed, an action performed on something or someone, or a fact or condition that has already been established.
Compare these two sentences:
- She is giving me some advice.
- She has given me some advice.
In the first sentence, giving forms the present progressive tense. The action is presented as ongoing.
In the second sentence, given forms the present perfect tense with has. The action has already occurred.
Here’s the core pattern:
Give → Giving → Given
The form you choose depends on the grammatical structure around it.
When to Use “Giving”
Use giving when the sentence requires the -ing form of give.
Common patterns include:
- is giving
- are giving
- was giving
- were giving
- giving advice
- giving instructions
- giving someone something
- Giving is better than receiving
Examples:
- He is giving a presentation today.
- They were giving free samples.
- Giving honest feedback can be difficult.
- She enjoys giving useful advice.
When to Use “Given”
Use given when the sentence requires the past participle of give.
Common patterns include:
- has given
- have given
- had given
- was given
- were given
- be given
- given that
- a given
Examples:
- She has given me excellent advice.
- The students were given extra time.
- He had given his answer already.
- Given that it was raining, we stayed inside.
The surrounding words often reveal which form you need.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Situation | Example | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| Ongoing action | She is giving a speech. | The action is happening now. | Giving |
| Past progressive | He was giving instructions. | The action was happening at a past time. | Giving |
| Gerund | Giving helps people connect. | The action functions as a noun. | Giving |
| Present perfect | She has given her answer. | The action has already happened. | Given |
| Past perfect | He had given his approval. | The action happened before another past event. | Given |
| Passive voice | We were given directions. | Someone gave directions to us. | Given |
| Established condition | Given the circumstances, we left. | Considering the circumstances. | Given |
| Fixed expression | Success is not a given. | Something assumed or guaranteed. | Given |
Deep Dive into “Giving”
Giving is formed by adding -ing to the base verb give. It can serve several grammatical functions, so understanding its role is essential.
Giving in Continuous Tenses
One of the most common uses of giving is in continuous verb forms.
The pattern is:
be + giving
Examples include:
- I am giving you one more opportunity.
- She is giving a lecture.
- They are giving away old books.
- He was giving instructions.
- We were giving the team extra time.
The helping verb am, is, are, was, or were signals the continuous construction.
Look at this:
She is giving me a book.
Here, is is the helping verb, and giving is the main verb in its present participle form.
You cannot replace giving with given in this structure:
Incorrect: She is given me a book.
Correct: She is giving me a book.
The problem is not the meaning of give. The problem is the grammatical form required after “is.”
Giving as a Gerund
Giving can also function as a noun. In this role, it is called a gerund.
For example:
- Giving is better than receiving.
- Giving honest feedback requires courage.
- Giving children responsibility can build confidence.
- Giving without expecting something back can be rewarding.
In each sentence, giving represents an activity or concept.
Consider:
Giving is important.
Here, giving is not describing what someone is doing at this exact moment. It names the activity itself.
This is an important distinction because learners sometimes assume every -ing word represents an ongoing action. That is not always true.
Giving After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are commonly followed by an -ing form.
Examples:
- She enjoys giving advice.
- He avoided giving an explanation.
- They considered giving him another chance.
- We discussed giving the project more time.
- I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.
The structure is:
verb + giving
For example:
She enjoys giving advice.
Not:
She enjoys given advice.
The verb enjoy normally takes a gerund when another action follows it, so giving is required.
Giving in Common Expressions
You will also encounter giving in many familiar expressions:
- giving advice
- giving permission
- giving support
- giving someone a chance
- giving an explanation
- giving a presentation
- giving a speech
- giving feedback
- giving an example
- giving a reason
These expressions describe the act of providing something, whether that something is physical or abstract.
For example:
The teacher is giving clear instructions.
The teacher is actively providing instructions, so giving fits naturally.
Quick Test for “Giving”
Ask yourself:
Is the sentence describing an action that is happening or being treated as an activity?
If yes, giving may be the correct choice.
Check for these clues:
- am/is/are + giving
- was/were + giving
- another verb that takes a gerund
- Giving at the beginning of a sentence as an activity
- a phrase describing an active process
Try this test:
They are ___ us more time.
The answer is giving because the structure is:
are + giving
Another example:
___ people a second chance can be meaningful.
The answer is Giving, because the word functions as the subject of the sentence.
Deep Dive into “Given”
Given is the past participle of give. Its uses are broader than simply describing something that happened in the past.
It frequently appears with have, has, had, in passive constructions, and in expressions meaning considering or assuming something.
Given in Perfect Tenses
Use given after forms of have when forming perfect tenses.
Examples:
- I have given him the information.
- She has given her final answer.
- They have given us enough time.
- He had given me several warnings.
- We had given the matter careful consideration.
The basic patterns are:
have + given
has + given
had + given
For example:
She has given me her opinion.
The action is completed or viewed as completed in relation to the present.
Compare:
She is giving me her opinion.
This presents the action as ongoing.
She has given me her opinion.
This presents the giving as already completed.
Given in Passive Voice
Given is also essential in passive constructions.
The basic pattern is:
be + given
Examples:
- I was given a choice.
- She was given an opportunity.
- They were given clear instructions.
- The students were given extra time.
- We were permitted to leave.
Consider:
The teacher gave the students extra time.
This is active voice.
The students were given extra time.
This is passive voice.
The students did not perform the giving. They received what someone else gave them.
That is why given is correct.
Given That
One particularly important expression is given that.
Here, given that means something similar to considering that, assuming that, or taking into account the fact that.
Examples:
- Given that the roads were closed, we stayed home.
- Given that she had studied hard, her result was expected.
- Given that time was limited, we focused on the main issue.
- Given that prices had increased, the decision was understandable.
Notice that given is not functioning as an ordinary past-tense verb here.
It introduces a condition or fact that should be considered.
Given as an Adjective
Given can also function adjectivally.
Examples:
- At any given time, hundreds of users may be online.
- The task must be completed within a given period.
- Under the given circumstances, the result was reasonable.
- Each student received a given set of instructions.
Here, given helps describe something that has been specified, established, or provided.
“A Given”
The noun phrase a given has a different meaning.
It refers to something considered certain, accepted, or expected.
Examples:
- Hard work is not always a given.
- Trust should never be a given.
- Success is not a given.
- In this industry, change is a given.
In these examples, a given means something that can be assumed or expected.
This usage is common in professional and academic writing.
The Meaning Shift
The difference between giving and given is not simply about spelling.
The two forms often change how the reader understands the time, direction, or grammatical role of the action.
Compare:
The manager is giving employees more flexibility.
This focuses on the manager’s current action.
Now consider:
The manager has given employees more flexibility.
This focuses on a completed action and its current result.
There is another important contrast:
Giving people opportunities can improve performance.
Here, giving refers to the general activity.
Employees were given more opportunities.
Here, given shows that the employees received those opportunities.
So the distinction can involve more than tense. It can also involve active versus passive structure.
Here’s another useful pair:
Giving feedback is important.
The sentence discusses the activity of providing feedback.
The employee was given feedback.
The sentence focuses on the recipient of the feedback.
Why the Confusion Persists
The confusion exists partly because give, giving, and given belong to the same verb family.
Learners often recognize the meaning but overlook the grammatical form.
English also uses given in several different ways. It can appear in perfect tenses, passive voice, adjective-like phrases, and expressions such as given that.
That creates an additional challenge.
The pronunciation can also contribute to uncertainty in spoken English. When people hear phrases quickly, the difference between grammatical forms may not receive enough attention.
Education can sometimes make the problem worse by teaching verb forms as isolated lists rather than showing how those forms behave in complete sentences.
A learner may memorize:
give, gave, given
but still struggle to know when giving belongs in a sentence.
The solution is to focus on sentence patterns, not just vocabulary lists.
Formal vs Casual Contexts
The grammatical rules do not change simply because a sentence is formal or casual.
However, certain uses of given are especially common in formal, academic, business, and analytical writing.
For example:
Given the available evidence, further research is necessary.
This sounds more formal than:
Considering the evidence, we need to do more research.
Both can be grammatically correct, but given provides a concise way to introduce an established condition or fact.
In business writing, you may see:
- Given the current circumstances
- Given the available data
- Given the project timeline
- Given the financial constraints
In casual conversation, speakers may prefer simpler alternatives:
- Considering the situation
- Because of the situation
- With the time we have
- Since money is limited
Meanwhile, giving remains common in both formal and casual contexts:
- giving feedback
- giving instructions
- giving a presentation
- giving support
- giving someone a chance
The context changes the style, but the underlying grammar remains the same.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Real-world language provides plenty of examples of both forms.
Academic Writing
Academic writing frequently uses given to establish conditions.
Example:
Given the limited sample size, the findings should be interpreted carefully.
The phrase tells readers which fact should be considered before interpreting the findings.
By contrast:
Giving students regular feedback can improve their learning process.
Here, giving names an educational activity.
Workplace Communication
Consider:
The manager is giving the team new instructions.
The manager is actively communicating the instructions.
Now compare:
The team was given new instructions.
The focus has shifted from the manager to the team.
Another example:
Giving employees clear expectations can reduce confusion.
This discusses a general management practice.
Everyday Conversation
You might hear:
I’m giving you one more chance.
The action is happening now.
You might also hear:
I’ve given you several chances already.
The action is viewed as completed.
The meaning is closely related, but the verb form changes the time perspective.
News and Public Communication
Formal reporting often uses structures such as:
Given the circumstances, officials postponed the event.
This means the circumstances were considered when making the decision.
You may also encounter:
The participants were given additional information before the session.
This is passive voice, with participants as recipients.
These patterns occur across journalism, education, business, and everyday communication.
Advanced Scenarios and Flowchart
When you’re uncertain, do not guess based on how the word sounds.
Follow the structure.
Start with the sentence:
Is the sentence describing an ongoing action or an activity?
→ Yes: Consider giving.
→ No: Continue.
Does the sentence contain have, has, or had before the verb?
→ Yes: Use given.
→ No: Continue.
Is the subject receiving something rather than actively giving it?
→ Yes: Check for a passive structure such as was given or were given.
→ No: Continue.
Does given mean considering, as in “given the circumstances”?
→ Yes: Use given.
→ No: Continue.
Is giving functioning as the name of an activity?
→ Yes: Use giving.
→ No: Examine the complete verb construction before choosing.
This process works because it focuses on grammar before meaning.
Quick Reference Table
| Form | Main Use | Example |
| Giving | Ongoing action | She is giving a speech. |
| Giving | Activity or gerund | Giving advice requires care. |
| Given | Perfect tense | He has given his answer. |
| Given | Passive voice | She was given an opportunity. |
| Given | Considering a fact | Given the circumstances, we left. |
| Given | Established or specified | At any given time, things can change. |
| A given | Something assumed or expected | Success is not a given. |
Common Mistakes That Lower Quality
Even experienced writers can make mistakes when they focus on meaning instead of sentence structure.
Mistake 1: Using “Given” After “Is”
Incorrect:
She is given me advice.
Correct:
She is giving me advice.
The structure is + verb-ing expresses a continuous action.
Mistake 2: Using “Giving” After “Has”
Incorrect:
He has giving me the information.
Correct:
He has given me the information.
The structure has + past participle requires given.
Mistake 3: Confusing Active and Passive Voice
Incorrect:
The students gave extra time.
If the intended meaning is that someone provided extra time to the students, the better construction is:
The students were given extra time.
The students are receiving the extra time.
Mistake 4: Writing “Given That” as “Giving That”
Incorrect:
Giving that the weather was bad, we stayed home.
Correct:
Given that the weather was bad, we stayed home.
The established expression is given that.
Mistake 5: Assuming “Given” Always Means Past
Given is not simply a synonym for “gave.”
For example:
Given the circumstances, we changed our plans.
Here, given means considering.
Mistake 6: Ignoring the Helping Verb
Look at the word immediately before the verb.
is giving is correct.
has given is correct.
These structures provide strong grammatical clues.
Mistake 7: Treating Every “-ing” Form as a Tense
In:
Giving is important.
giving is functioning as a noun, not as part of a continuous verb phrase.
Understanding this distinction makes your writing more precise.
Memory Hacks That Actually Work
The easiest way to remember the difference is to connect each form with a simple question.
Remember “Giving” With “Happening”
Think:
Giving = giving is happening.
Examples:
- She is giving a speech.
- They are giving us directions.
- He was giving instructions.
When the action is presented as active or ongoing, giving is often the form you need.
Remember “Given” With “Received”
Think:
Given = something was given or has been given.
Examples:
- She was given a choice.
- He has given his answer.
- They were given extra time.
This memory trick is especially useful for passive constructions.
Remember “Given That” as “Considering That”
Whenever you can replace given that with considering that, given is probably correct.
Given that the store was closed, we went elsewhere.
Considering that the store was closed, we went elsewhere.
The meaning is similar.
Watch the Helping Verb
This is one of the fastest tests.
am/is/are/was/were + giving
have/has/had + given
was/were + given
These patterns will solve many sentence-level questions immediately.
Why Precision Matters for SEO and Authority
Correct grammar matters because readers notice language quality, even when they cannot explain exactly why something feels wrong.
For an SEO-focused website, accurate word usage supports clarity, credibility, and reader trust. A page that explains grammar while repeatedly using incorrect grammar creates an obvious contradiction.
The difference between giving and given may seem small, but small errors can affect how polished a page feels.
Search-focused writing also needs to satisfy people, not simply keywords. Readers searching for giving or given want a clear explanation they can apply to their own sentences.
That means examples should be accurate, natural, and easy to understand.
Good grammar also improves sentence flow. When verb forms are used correctly, readers spend less effort decoding the sentence and more time understanding the message.
For educational content, that precision becomes even more important.
An authoritative grammar article should not merely say that one form is “right.” It should explain why the form is right, show the pattern, and demonstrate how the meaning changes.
That is what turns a grammar explanation into a useful reference.
A Quick Quiz
Fill in each blank with giving or given.
1. She is ______ a presentation this afternoon.
2. The students were ______ extra time to finish the assignment.
3. He has ______ me several useful suggestions.
4. ______ the circumstances, we decided to postpone the meeting.
5. ______ people honest feedback can help them improve.
6. They were ______ clear instructions before the test.
7. She was ______ advice when I arrived.
Answers
1. Giving
The structure is is + -ing, which describes an ongoing action.
2. Given
The students receive the extra time, so this is a passive construction: were given.
3. Given
The structure is has + given, which forms the present perfect tense.
4. Given
Here, given means considering the circumstances.
5. Giving
Giving people honest feedback functions as the subject of the sentence, so giving is the gerund form.
6. Given
The students received the instructions, making were given the correct passive structure.
7. Giving
The phrase was giving describes an action that was happening at that time.
Conclusion
The difference between giving and given becomes much easier once you stop treating them as interchangeable forms. Giving is the present participle or gerund form of give, and it commonly appears in continuous constructions such as is giving, as well as phrases where the activity itself functions as a noun.
Given, on the other hand, is the past participle. It appears after have, has, and had, in passive constructions such as was given, and in expressions such as given that, where it means considering or taking something into account. These patterns provide reliable clues whenever you are unsure which form belongs in a sentence.
The most useful strategy is to examine the grammar surrounding the word. If you see is, are, was, or were and the sentence describes an active ongoing action, giving is often appropriate. If you see has, have, or had, use given as the past participle. If someone receives something, structures such as was given or were given are usually appropriate.
Finally, remember that given can also introduce an established condition, as in given the circumstances or given that the deadline was close. Once these patterns become familiar, choosing between giving and given becomes a quick and dependable decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “giving” the present tense of “give”?
Not exactly. Giving is the present participle and gerund form of give, rather than a complete present-tense form by itself. It appears in structures such as is giving, are giving, and was giving. It can also function as a noun, as in Giving is important. The simple present form is give or gives, depending on the subject.
Is “given” the past tense of “give”?
No. The simple past tense of give is gave. Given is the past participle. It normally appears with helping verbs in perfect constructions, such as has given or had given, or in passive constructions such as was given. It can also appear independently in expressions such as given the circumstances and given that.
Should I say “is giving” or “is given”?
It depends on the intended meaning and sentence structure. Is giving normally describes someone actively providing something: She is giving me advice. Is given is normally passive and means that something is provided to someone: The award is given to the winner. The important difference is whether the subject performs the giving or receives the action.
Should I say “has giving” or “has given”?
The correct form is has given. After has, when you are forming the present perfect tense, you need the past participle. The verb forms are give, gave, given, so the correct construction is has given. For example, She has given me useful information is correct, while She has giving me useful information is grammatically incorrect.
What does “given that” mean?
Given that means something like considering that, taking into account that, or assuming that. It introduces a fact or condition that helps explain a decision or conclusion. For example, Given that the weather was poor, we canceled the event means that the poor weather was considered when the decision was made.
Is “giving” a gerund?
Yes, giving can be a gerund when it functions as a noun. For example, Giving can make people feel connected uses giving as the subject. However, giving can also be a present participle, as in She is giving a presentation. The form is identical, but its grammatical function depends on how it is used in the sentence.
Can “given” be an adjective?
Yes. Given can function adjectivally when it describes something that has been specified, established, or provided. Examples include a given situation, a given period, and the given information. In these cases, it helps identify something that is already defined or known within the context rather than simply expressing a completed action.
What does “a given” mean?
A given is a noun phrase meaning something considered certain, accepted, expected, or assumed. For example, Success is not a given means that success cannot automatically be assumed. The expression is common in professional, academic, and everyday English. It is different from the verb given used in a sentence such as She has given me advice.
How can I quickly choose between “giving” and “given”?
Look at the words and structure around the blank. Am, is, are, was, or were + giving commonly describes an ongoing active action. Have, has, or had + given forms a perfect construction, while was or were + given commonly creates a passive construction. Also choose given in expressions such as given that and given the circumstances.
