Giving or Given? When to Use Each With Examples

The difference between giving vs given comes down to how the verb give works in a sentence. Both words come from the same base verb, but they show different stages of an action. Understanding this difference helps you write clearer sentences and avoid common grammar mistakes.

In simple terms, giving usually shows an action that is happening, continuing, or being performed. Given usually shows an action that has already been completed or something that someone has received, provided, or considered.

For example:

She is advising her friend.
She has advised her friend.

In the first sentence, the action is happening right now. In the second sentence, the advice has already been provided.

Many English learners confuse giving and given because they both relate to the same idea of transferring something from one person to another. The confusion becomes stronger because English uses these words in different grammar structures, including continuous tenses, perfect tenses, passive voice, and descriptive phrases.

A quick way to understand the difference is:

Word	Grammar Role	Main Idea	Example
Giving	Present participle/gerund	An action in progress	He is giving a speech.
Given	Past participle	A completed action or result	He has given a speech.
Given	Adjective	Something accepted as true or provided	This is a given fact.
Given	Preposition	Considering a situation	Given the circumstances, we waited.

Table of Contents

The Basic Rule Behind Giving and Given

The easiest way to choose between giving or given is to check the tense and the role of the word in the sentence.

Use “Giving” for Actions in Progress

The word giving often appears when something is happening at the moment of speaking or continuing over a period of time.

Examples:

The teacher is giving a lesson.
They are giving support to the new team members.
I am giving my full attention to this project.

Here, the action is active and ongoing. The person acting is clearly involved.

You can usually identify giving when it follows forms of the verb be:

Helping Verb	Example
Is	She is giving a presentation.
Am	I am giving my opinion.
Are	They are giving instructions.
Was	He was giving directions.
Were	We were giving feedback.

These structures are called continuous tenses because they describe actions that are continuing.

Use “Given” for Completed Actions

The word given is the past participle form of give. It often appears with helping verbs such as:

has
have
had
will have

Examples:

She has given me the documents.
They have given their approval.
The manager had given clear instructions before the meeting started.

In these examples, the giving action is finished. The focus is not on the process but on the result.

Compare these two sentences:

Sentence	Meaning
She is giving me a gift.	The action is happening now.
She has given me a gift.	The action is complete.

The difference may look small, but it changes the meaning of the sentence.

Why People Confuse Giving and Given

The confusion happens because both words describe the same basic action: providing something to someone else. The difference is not the meaning of the action itself. The difference is the time, grammar structure, and function.

Consider these examples:

Giving:

“The company is giving employees more flexibility.”

This tells us the company is currently providing more flexibility.

Given:

“The company has given employees more flexibility.”

This tells us the company already made that change.

The subject and object remain similar, but the verb form changes the timeline.

Common Reasons for Confusion

Reason	Explanation
Same root word	Both words come from “give.”
Similar spelling	The difference is only the ending.
Different grammar rules	English uses each form in different sentence structures.
Translation habits	Some languages do not separate these forms in the same way.

Understanding the Verb Forms of “Give”

To fully understand giving vs given, you need to know the complete verb pattern of give.

Verb Form	Word	Example
Base form	Give	I want to give you advice.
Past tense	Gave	She gave me a book yesterday.
Past participle	Given	He has given his answer.
Present participle	Giving	They are giving a speech.

The most common mistake is treating gave and given as interchangeable. They are different forms.

Incorrect:

She has gave me a message.

Correct:

She has given me a message.

Incorrect:

She has given me a message yesterday.

Correct:

She gave me a message yesterday.

The reason is simple: gave works as a past tense verb, while given needs a helping verb to show a completed action.

A Simple Timeline to Remember the Difference

Think of the verb give as a timeline:

Before now → gave → given
Right now → giving
Future action → will give

Example:

Yesterday, I gave my friend a book.
Today, I am giving my friend another book.
By tomorrow, I will have given my friend all the books.

This timeline makes the difference easier to remember because it connects grammar with time.

Quick Comparison: Giving vs. Given

Question	Giving	Given
Is the action happening now?	Yes	Usually no
Is the action complete?	No	Yes
Used with continuous tense?	Yes	No
Used with perfect tense?	No	Yes
Can describe a condition?	Rarely	Yes
Can work as an adjective?	No	Yes

Real-Life Examples of Giving and Given

Understanding grammar rules becomes easier when you see how people use these words in everyday situations.

At Work

Giving:

The manager is giving employees new responsibilities.
The team is giving feedback on the project.

Given:

The manager has given employees new responsibilities.
The team has given feedback on the project.

In Education

Giving:

The professor is giving students extra resources.
The tutor is giving helpful explanations.

Given:

The professor has given students extra resources.
The tutor has given helpful explanations.

In Daily Conversations

Giving:

I am giving you one more chance.
She is giving her opinion about the movie.

Given:

I have given you enough time.
She has given her opinion already.

The key idea remains the same: giving focuses on the action happening, while given focuses on the completed result.

Key Takeaway Before Moving Forward

When deciding between giving or given, first look at the sentence structure. If the sentence describes an action in progress, giving is usually correct. If it describes something completed, received, or already provided, given is usually the right choice.

Learning this small grammar difference can improve everyday conversations, professional writing, emails, and academic work because these two words appear constantly in English.

Giving or Given? When to Use Each (With Examples)

When to Use “Giving”

The word giving describes an action that is happening, continuing, or being performed by someone. It is the present participle form of the verb give, and it usually appears in continuous tenses. You use giving when the focus is on the process of providing something rather than the final result.

For example:

She is giving a presentation at the conference.
They are giving their customers better service.
I am giving my best effort to finish this task.

In each sentence, the action is still in progress. The person has not simply completed the action; they are actively doing it.

Giving as the Present Participle

A present participle is a verb form that ends in -ing and helps create continuous tenses. The word giving works with forms of the verb be, such as:

am
is
are
was
were

The basic structure is:

Subject + form of “be” + giving + object

Examples:

Sentence Structure	Example
I am giving + something	I am giving my brother advice.
She is giving + something	She is giving a speech today.
They are giving + something	They are giving support to the community.
We were giving + something	We were giving instructions during the training session.

This structure tells the reader that the action is active and ongoing.

Giving in Continuous Tenses

The most common use of giving appears in continuous tenses. These tenses show that an action is happening over a period of time.

Present Continuous: Giving Happening Now

Use giving in the present continuous when an action is happening at the current moment.

Formula:

Subject + am/is/are + giving + object

Examples:

The teacher is giving students a new assignment.
The company is giving employees more benefits.
You are giving me useful information.

These sentences answer the question: “What is happening now?”

Past Continuous: Giving Happened Over a Period

Use giving in the past continuous when an action was happening at a specific time in the past.

Formula:

Subject + was/were + giving + object

Examples:

She was giving advice when I called her.
The coach was giving instructions before the match.
They were giving away free samples at the event.

The action may not have finished immediately. The sentence focuses on the activity during that time.

Future Continuous: Giving Will Be Happening

Use giving in the future continuous when an action will be in progress at a future time.

Formula:

Subject + will be + giving + object

Examples:

The speaker will be giving a lecture tomorrow.
The company will be giving updates next week.
I will be giving my final presentation on Friday.

This shows an expected ongoing action in the future.

Present Perfect Continuous: Giving Over Time

The present perfect continuous connects a past action with the present. It shows that something started before now and may continue.

Formula:

Subject + has/have been + giving + object

Examples:

She has been giving lessons for five years.
They have been giving customers excellent service.
I have been giving this project my full attention.

Notice that giving appears after “been” because the sentence focuses on the duration of the activity.

Giving as a Gerund

Besides acting as a verb, giving can also function as a noun. In this role, it is called a gerund.

A gerund names an activity or action.

Examples:

Giving is an important part of friendship.
Giving without expecting something back can feel rewarding.
Giving advice requires responsibility.

Here, giving is not describing an action happening at a specific moment. Instead, it represents the idea or activity itself.

Compare:

She is giving advice. → Verb showing an action.
Giving advice is helpful. → Gerund acting as a noun.

Common Sentence Patterns With “Giving”

Learning common patterns makes it easier to use giving naturally.

Subject + Be + Giving + Object

This is the most common structure.

Examples:

The doctor is giving the patient treatment advice.
My friend is giving me directions.
The manager is giving the team feedback.

Subject + Keep + Giving

This pattern shows a repeated or continued action.

Examples:

She keeps giving helpful suggestions.
They keep giving customers reasons to return.
He keeps giving excuses.

Subject + Continue + Giving

This pattern emphasizes that the action does not stop.

Examples:

The organization continues giving support to families.
She continued giving answers during the interview.
The teacher continued giving examples until everyone understood.

Common Uses of “Giving” in Everyday English

The word giving appears in many situations because people constantly provide things such as information, help, opinions, and support.

Giving Advice

When someone shares suggestions or guidance:

My father is giving me career advice.
The expert is giving tips for improving communication.

Giving Permission

When someone allows another person to do something:

The manager is permitting employees to work remotely.
The teacher is giving students extra time.

Giving Support

When someone helps emotionally or practically:

Friends are giving support during difficult times.
The organization is assisting local communities.

Giving Feedback

Used when someone provides comments or opinions:

The supervisor is giving feedback on the report.
The customers are giving positive reviews.

Giving Credit

Used when someone recognizes another person’s contribution:

The leader is giving credit to the entire team.
She is giving recognition to those who helped.

Common Expressions With “Giving”

English uses giving in many fixed phrases. These expressions appear often in conversations and professional settings.

Expression	Meaning	Example
Giving advice	Sharing suggestions	She is advising about the interview.
Giving a hand	Helping someone	He is giving me a hand with the project.
Giving a chance	Allowing an opportunity	They are giving him a chance to improve.
Giving feedback	Sharing opinions	The manager is giving feedback today.
Giving attention	Focusing on something	She is giving attention to details.
Giving permission	Allowing something	The teacher is permitting us to leave early.

Giving vs. Given: Why “Giving” Needs the Right Structure

A common mistake is using giving after helping verbs that require the past participle.

Incorrect:

She has giving me the information.

Correct:

She has given me the information.

The reason is that has, have, and had normally require the past participle form.

Another mistake is using given when the action is still happening.

Incorrect:

He is given a presentation right now.

Correct:

He is giving a presentation right now.

The phrase “is giving” shows an ongoing activity.

Quick Tips to Remember When to Use Giving

Use giving when:

The action is happening now.
The action was happening at a specific time.
The action will be happening in the future.
You are describing the activity of providing something.

A simple memory trick:

“-ing means the action is in motion.”

Imagine watching someone hand over a gift. The moment they are reaching out and passing it over, they are giving it.

Once the gift has reached the other person, the action has been completed. That is where given becomes useful.

Understanding this difference helps you choose the correct word quickly and makes your English sound more natural in conversations, writing, and professional communication.

Giving or Given? When to Use Each (With Examples)

When to Use “Given”

The word given is one of the most flexible forms of the verb give. While many learners first recognize it as the past participle of give, it can also work as an adjective and a preposition. The correct use depends on the role it plays in a sentence.

The easiest way to understand given is to remember that it usually points to something that has already happened, has already been provided, or is being treated as an accepted fact.

For example:

She has given me the report.
The information given by the company was accurate.
Given the circumstances, waiting was the best choice.

Each sentence uses given differently, but the idea remains connected: something has been provided, completed, or considered.

Given as the Past Participle of “Give”

The most common use of given is as the past participle form of give.

The verb forms are:

Verb Form	Word	Example
Base form	Give	I want to give you some advice.
Past tense	Gave	She gave me a gift yesterday.
Past participle	Given	She has given me a gift.
Present participle	Giving	She is giving me a gift.

Unlike gave, the word given usually needs a helping verb such as:

has
have
had
will have

Examples:

They have given their approval.
He has given his answer.
The manager had given clear instructions.
By next week, the team will have given a final decision.

A useful rule:

Gave = completed action in the past
Given = completed action connected with another verb

Compare:

She gave me the book yesterday.
She has given me the book already.

The first sentence simply reports a past event. The second sentence focuses on the result of the action.

Using “Given” in Perfect Tenses

Perfect tenses show that an action happened before another point in time. Because given is the past participle of give, it naturally appears in these structures.

Present Perfect: Has or Have Given

Use the present perfect when an action happened at an unspecified time or when the result matters now.

Structure:

Subject + has/have + given + object

Examples:

The teacher has given students extra practice.
I have given my opinion on the issue.
They have given the customer a solution.

The exact time is not important. The focus is on the completed result.

Compare:

I gave my answer yesterday.
I have given my answer.

The first sentence highlights when it happened. The second highlights that the answer is now available.

Past Perfect: Had Given

Use the past perfect when one completed action happened before another past event.

Structure:

Subject + had + given + object

Examples:

The doctor had given the patient instructions before the treatment started.
She had given her presentation before the manager arrived.
They had given notice before leaving the company.

The past perfect creates a timeline:

First action: They had given notice.
Second action: They left the company.

Future Perfect: Will Have Given

Use the future perfect when something will be completed before a specific future time.

Structure:

Subject + will have + given + object

Examples:

By Friday, I will have given my final presentation.
The company will have given all employees the updated policy by next month.
She will have given her response before the deadline.

This structure is less common in everyday conversations, but it appears often in professional and academic writing.

Given in Passive Voice

One of the most important uses of given is in passive voice.

In active voice, the subject acts:

The teacher gave the students homework.

In passive voice, the focus moves to the person or thing receiving the action:

The students were given homework by the teacher.

The structure is:

Subject + be + given + object

Examples:

Employees were given new guidelines.
The patient was given medication.
Students were given extra time for the exam.

Passive voice is useful when:

The receiver is more important than the person doing the action.
The person acting is unknown.
The writer wants a more formal tone.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Active Voice	Passive Voice
The company gave employees bonuses.	Employees were given bonuses by the company.
The teacher gave students instructions.	Students were given instructions by the teacher.
The doctor gave the patient advice.	The patient was advised by the doctor.

Both sentences are grammatically correct. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize.

Given as a Preposition

Many people only think of given as a verb form, but it can also work as a preposition. In this use, given means “considering” or “taking something into account.”

Examples:

Given the weather, we decided to stay home.
Given the available resources, the team performed well.
Given his experience, he was the right person for the job.

Here, given introduces a condition or fact that affects a decision.

A helpful replacement test:

If you can replace given with considering, it is probably being used as a preposition.

Example:

Given the circumstances, we changed our plan.
Considering the circumstances, we changed our plan.

Both sentences have a similar meaning.

Common Expressions With “Given” as a Preposition

The word given often appears in formal writing and professional communication.

Expression	Meaning	Example
Given that	Because	Given that prices increased, we changed suppliers.
Given the circumstances	Considering the situation	Given the circumstances, the decision was reasonable.
Given the evidence	Considering available proof	Given the evidence, the claim was accepted.
Given the opportunity	If a chance is provided	Given the opportunity, she would improve the system.

These expressions are common in reports, articles, business writing, and academic discussions.

Given as an Adjective

The word given can also describe something that is accepted as true, expected, or already known.

Examples:

This is a given fact.
Respect is a given in a healthy workplace.
Success is not always a given.

When given acts as an adjective, it describes a condition rather than an action.

Common Adjective Phrases With Given

Phrase	Meaning	Example
A given fact	Something accepted as true	The deadline is a given fact.
A given situation	A specific condition	We must work within the given situation.
A given amount	A fixed quantity	Use the given amount of ingredients.
Take something for granted / as given	Accept without questioning	Don’t take success as a given.

Everyday Examples of “Given”

The manager has given the team new goals.
Employees were given clear instructions.
Given the deadline, the team worked efficiently.
The teacher has given students a new assignment.
Students were given extra materials.
Given the difficulty level, the test was fair.
She has given her family useful advice.
The children were given responsibilities.
Given the situation, staying calm was important.

In Healthcare

The doctor has given the patient treatment instructions.
The patient was given medication.
Given the symptoms, further testing was recommended.

Common Mistakes With “Given”

Mistake: Using “Given” After Continuous Helping Verbs

Incorrect:

She is given a speech today.

Correct:

She is giving a speech today.

Why? Because “is” creates a continuous tense, which requires the -ing form.

Mistake: Using “Gave” After Has or Have

Incorrect:

He has gave me the information.

Correct:

He has given me the information.

Why? Because perfect tenses require the past participle.

Mistake: Forgetting Other Uses of Given

Some writers only use given as a verb form and miss its other functions.

Example:

Given the circumstances, the decision was logical.

Here, given does not mean “provided.” It means “considering.”

A Simple Way to Remember Given

Think of given as something that has already reached its destination.

Someone gives a gift:

During the action → They are giving the gift.
After completion → They have given the gift.

The action moves from an active process to a completed result.

When you see has, have, had, passive structures, or phrases that introduce conditions, given is often the correct choice. Understanding these patterns makes choosing between giving or given much faster and more accurate.

Giving or Given? When to Use Each (With Examples)

Giving vs. Given: Key Differences and Common Mistakes

Understanding the difference between giving vs given becomes much easier when you compare how each word functions in real sentences. Although both words come from the verb give, they are not interchangeable. The biggest difference is the stage of the action.

Giving focuses on an action that is happening, continuing, or being performed. Given focuses on an action that has already been completed, something that has been provided, or a condition that is being considered.

A simple comparison:

Feature	Giving	Given
Verb form	Present participle	Past participle
Main idea	Action in progress	Completed action or result
Common use	Continuous tenses	Perfect tenses and passive voice
Example	She is giving advice.	She has given advice.
Time focus	Now or ongoing	Before now or completed

The easiest question to ask yourself is:

“Is the action happening now, or has it already happened?”

If the action is still happening, choose giving.

Example:

The teacher is giving instructions.

The teacher is currently explaining something.

If the action has finished, choose given.

Example:

The teacher has given instructions.

The instructions have already been provided.

Giving vs. Given Verb Timeline

A timeline can make these forms easier to remember:

Time	Correct Form	Example
General action	Give	I want to give you advice.
Past action	Gave	I gave you advice yesterday.
Ongoing action	Giving	I am giving you advice now.
Completed action	Given	I have given you advice already.

Think of the verb give like a process:

Give → Gave → Given → Giving

Each form has its own purpose. Using the wrong form can make a sentence sound unnatural even if the meaning is understandable.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice: Giving and Given

One of the most important differences between giving and given appears in active and passive sentences.

Active Voice Uses Giving

In active voice, the subject acts.

Structure:

Subject + verb + object

Examples:

The manager is giving employees feedback.
The doctor is giving the patient instructions.
The company is giving customers discounts.

The person or thing doing the action appears first.

Passive Voice Uses Given

In passive voice, the focus moves to the person or thing receiving the action.

Structure:

Subject + be + given + object

Examples:

Employees were given feedback by the manager.
The patient was given instructions by the doctor.
Customers were given discounts by the company.

The receiver becomes the main focus.

When Should You Use Passive Voice With Given?

Passive voice is not wrong or weak. It is useful when the receiver matters more than the person acting.

For example:

Active:

The research team gave participants new instructions.

Passive:

Participants were given new instructions.

The passive version puts attention on the participants because they are the important part of the sentence.

Common situations where passive voice with given works well:

Situation	Example
Formal reports	Employees were given additional training.
Academic writing	The participants were given a questionnaire.
Healthcare notes	The patient was given medication.
News reports	The suspect was given a sentence.

Common Mistakes When Using Giving and Given

Even advanced English learners sometimes mix up these two forms. Most mistakes happen because writers focus on the meaning of the word instead of the grammar structure.

Mistake: Using Giving After Has, Have, or Had

Incorrect:

She has giving me the information.

Correct:

She has given me the information.

Why?

The words has, have, and had create perfect tenses. Perfect tenses need the past participle form, which is given.

More examples:

Incorrect:

They have giving their approval.

Correct:

They have given their approval.

Incorrect:

He had answered before the meeting.

Correct:

He had answered before the meeting.

Mistake: Using Given in Continuous Tenses

Incorrect:

She is given a presentation today.

Correct:

She is giving a presentation today.

Why?

The word is followed by an action happening now, so the sentence needs the present participle form.

More examples:

Incorrect:

They are given support to the team.

Correct:

They are giving support to the team.

Incorrect:

He was advised during the discussion.

This sentence can actually be correct if it means someone received advice.

However:

He was advising the discussion.

means he was the person providing the advice.

The difference is who acts.

Mistake: Confusing Given With Gave

Many people confuse gave and given because both describe completed actions.

The difference is grammar structure.

Use gave:

I gave her the book yesterday.

Use given:

I have given her the book.

The first sentence uses simple past tense. The second uses the present perfect tense.

A quick rule:

Word	Needs Helping Verb?	Example
Gave	No	She gave me a gift.
Given	Yes	She has given me a gift.

Mistake: Forgetting That Given Can Be More Than a Verb

The word given does not always describe an action.

Given the weather, we canceled the event.
Experience is a given advantage in this field.
Use the given instructions.

Recognizing these uses prevents confusion.

Mistake: Overusing Passive Voice

Although passive voice with given is grammatically correct, too much passive writing can make sentences less direct.

Compare:

Passive:

The report was given to the manager by the assistant.

Active:

The assistant gave the report to the manager.

The active version feels clearer because it immediately shows who acted.

A good balance is:

Use active voice for everyday communication.
Use passive voice when the receiver or result matters more.

Grammar Rules You Should Remember

These simple rules cover most situations involving giving or given.

Rule: Continuous Tenses Need Giving

If you see:

is
am
are
was
were

followed by an action, use giving.

Examples:

She is giving a lecture.
They were giving instructions.

Rule: Perfect Tenses Need Given

If you see:

has
have
had
will have

use given.

Examples:

She has given her opinion.
They had given permission.

Rule: Passive Voice Usually Uses Given

Passive structure:

be + given

Examples:

Students were given homework.
Employees were given new policies.

Rule: Look at the Role of the Word

Ask:

She is giving help.
She has given help.
Given the situation, we waited.

Memory Tricks for Choosing Giving or Given

Grammar rules become easier when you connect them with simple reminders.

Trick: Look at the Ending

The endings tell you a lot:

-ing = action in progress

Example:

He is giving a speech.

The action is moving.

-en = completed action

Example:

He has given a speech.

The action is finished.

Trick: Check the Helping Verb

Before choosing the word, look at the word before it.

Helping Verb	Use
Is, am, are, was, were	Giving
Has, have, had	Given
Be + past participle	Given

This small habit can prevent many grammar mistakes.

Trick: Replace Given With “Provided”

If you can replace given with provided, it may be the correct choice.

Example:

The information given by the company was useful.

Replacement:

The information provided by the company was useful.

The meaning stays similar.

A Quick Decision Chart

Use this checklist whenever you are unsure:

Question	Answer	Correct Form
Is the action happening now?	Yes	Giving
Is the action continuing?	Yes	Giving
Has the action finished?	Yes	Given
Is there has/have/had?	Yes	Given
Is the sentence passive?	Yes	Given
Does it mean considering something?	Yes	Given

Professional Examples of Giving and Given

Business Communication

Giving:

The manager is giving employees feedback on their performance.

Given:

Employees have been given clear performance goals.

Academic Writing

Giving:

The researcher is giving examples to explain the theory.

Given:

The examples given in the study support the argument.

Everyday Communication

Giving:

I am giving you one more chance.

Given:

I have given you enough time.

These examples show how small grammar changes affect meaning.

Final Reminder Before Practice

When choosing between giving or given, don’t focus only on the word itself. Look at the whole sentence.

Giving = the action is happening.
Given = the action is completed, received, or considered.

Once you understand the role of each form, choosing the correct word becomes a natural part of writing and speaking English.

Giving or Given? When to Use Each (With Examples)

Practice Examples and Grammar Exercises

Learning the difference between giving and given becomes much easier when you practice using them in real sentences. Grammar rules explain how words work, but exercises help you recognize patterns naturally.

Before starting the practice section, remember the main idea:

Giving describes an action that is happening, continuing, or being performed.
Given describes an action that has been completed, something provided, or a condition being considered.

Use the examples below to test your understanding.

Correct and Incorrect Sentence Examples

Seeing mistakes side by side helps you identify why one form works and another does not.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence	Reason
She has given me the report.	She has given me the report.	Perfect tenses need the past participle form.
They are given instructions now.	They are giving instructions now.	Continuous actions need the -ing form.
He has given his opinion.	He has given his opinion.	“Has” requires the past participle.
The teacher is given a lesson.	The teacher is giving a lesson.	The action is happening now.
The advice given by the expert was useful.	The advice given by the expert was useful.	The advice was already provided.

Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Giving or Given?

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

Questions

She is ______ a speech at the conference today.
The manager has ______ the employees new instructions.
They were ______ support during a difficult time.
I have been ______ this project my full attention.
The teacher is ______ students extra practice before the exam.
The information ______ in the report was helpful.
The company has ______ customers better service this year.
He was ______ an opportunity to explain his decision.
She keeps ______ advice to her friends.
______ the current situation, waiting is the best option.

Answer Key

She is giving a speech at the conference today.
The manager has given the employees new instructions.
They were given support during a difficult time.
The people received support.
I have been giving this project my full attention.

Explanation: “Have been” creates a perfect continuous structure, which uses the -ing form.

The teacher is giving students extra practice before the exam.

The information given in the report was helpful.

Explanation: The information was already provided, so “given” works as a past participle.

The company has given customers better service this year.

He was allowed to explain his decision.

She keeps advising her friends.

Given the current situation, waiting is the best option.

Mixed Grammar Challenge

Choose the correct option.

Question One

The teacher has ______ students additional resources.

A) giving
B) given
C) gave

Answer: B) given

The word “has” requires the past participle form.

Question Two

The company is ______ employees more training opportunities.

A) given
B) giving
C) gave

Answer: B) giving

The action is currently happening, so the present participle is needed.

Question Three

The instructions ______ by the manager were easy to understand.

A) giving
B) gave
C) given

Answer: C) given

The instructions were already provided.

Question Four

She was ______ advice by her mentor.

A) given
B) giving
C) gave

Answer: A) given

The sentence uses passive voice. She received advice.

Question Five

They have been ______ customers excellent support.

A) given
B) giving
C) gave

Answer: B) giving

“Have been” followed by an ongoing action requires the -ing form.

Rewrite the Sentences

Change the sentences according to the instruction.

Change Active Voice to Passive Voice

Active:

The company is giving employees new benefits.

Passive:

Employees are being given new benefits by the company.

Active:

The teacher gave students extra homework.

Passive:

Students were given extra homework by the teacher.

Change Passive Voice to Active Voice

Passive:

The patient was given medication by the doctor.

Active:

The doctor gave the patient medication.

Passive:

Employees were given new instructions.

Active:

The manager gave employees new instructions.

Real-Life Grammar Practice

Workplace Examples

Correct:

The supervisor is giving feedback during the meeting.
Employees have been given new responsibilities.
The company is giving workers more flexibility.
Staff members were given updated guidelines.

Education Examples

Correct:

The professor is giving students a lecture.
Students have been given additional resources.
The teacher was giving examples to explain the topic.
The class was given extra time for the assignment.

Everyday Conversation Examples

Correct:

I am giving you my honest opinion.
I have given you enough information.
She is giving her friend a gift.
He was given a chance to improve.

Quick Self-Test

Before choosing giving or given, answer these questions:

Question	If Yes	Use
Is the action happening now?	Ongoing action	Giving
Does the sentence contain is/am/are/was/were?	Continuous structure	Giving
Does the sentence contain has/have/had?	Perfect structure	Given
Is someone receiving an action?	Passive voice	Given
Does it mean considering something?	Condition	Given

One-Minute Grammar Test

Choose the correct word:

The organization is ______ free training sessions.
The organization has ______ free training sessions.
The employees were ______ free training sessions.
______ the available information, the decision was reasonable.
She keeps ______ helpful suggestions.

Answers

Giving
Given
Given
Given
Giving

Final Practice Summary

The difference between giving and given becomes simple once you focus on the role of the word.

Remember these three questions:

Is the action happening right now? → Use giving.
Has the action already happened? → Use given.
Is the sentence passive or introducing a condition? → Use given.

With regular practice, choosing between giving or given stops feeling like a grammar puzzle. The words may look similar, but their jobs in English are clearly different. Practice the patterns, notice the helping verbs, and the correct choice will become much easier.

Conclusion About Giving or Given? When to Use Each (With Examples)

Understanding giving or given becomes much easier when you focus on the action and the grammar structure around it. Giving shows an action that is happening, continuing, or being performed, while given usually shows something completed, provided, or considered. These small differences can make a big impact on how natural and accurate your English sounds. By checking helping verbs like “is,” “are,” “has,” and “have,” you can quickly decide which form fits your sentence. Whether you are writing emails, completing assignments, or having everyday conversations, mastering these verb forms helps you communicate with confidence. Keep practicing with real examples, and the difference between giving and given will soon feel simple and automatic.

FAQs

What is the main difference between giving and given?

Giving describes an action that is happening or continuing, while given usually describes an action that has already been completed. Both words come from the verb “give,” but they appear in different grammar structures and have different purposes in sentences.

When should I use giving in a sentence?

Use giving when you describe an ongoing action, especially with continuous tenses. For example, “She is giving advice” shows that the action is happening now. It can also work as a gerund when it describes the activity itself, such as “Giving is important.”

When should I use given in a sentence?

Use given when an action is completed, especially with perfect tenses like “has given” or “have given.” It also appears in passive voice and expressions where it means “considering,” such as “Given the situation, we waited.”

Can giving and given be used interchangeably?

No, giving and given cannot be used interchangeably because they perform different grammatical functions. Replacing one with the other can change the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect. The correct choice depends on tense, sentence structure, and meaning.

Is given always a past participle?

No, given is not always a past participle. It can also act as an adjective or preposition. For example, “a given fact” uses it as an adjective, while “Given the circumstances” uses it to introduce a condition.

Why do people confuse giving and given?

People often confuse these words because both come from the same verb, “give,” and they have similar spellings. The confusion usually happens when learners focus on the meaning instead of checking the grammar pattern, tense, or helping verb used in the sentence.

Is giving used with has or have?

No, giving is not normally used after has or have. These helping verbs usually require the past participle form, so the correct choice is given. For example, “She has given her answer” is correct, while “She has giving her answer” is incorrect.

Is given used in continuous tenses?

No, given is not used in continuous tenses when describing an active ongoing action. Continuous tenses require the -ing form, so you say “He is giving advice,” not “He is given advice.” However, “is given” can appear in passive structures.

What is the difference between gave and given?

Gave is the simple past form of “give,” while given is the past participle. You say “She gave me a book yesterday,” but “She has given me a book.” The word “given” usually needs a helping verb such as has, have, or had.

How can I quickly remember giving vs given?

A simple trick is to look at the timeline. Giving means the action is still moving or happening. Given means the action has reached completion. Checking the helping verb before the word can also help you choose the correct form quickly.

Meta Description:
Learn giving or given with clear examples, grammar rules, and simple tips to use each word correctly in everyday English writing.