Gave vs. Give — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 16, 2024
"Gave" is the past tense of "give," indicating that the action of providing or transferring something to someone has already occurred, while "give" is the present tense form, used for current or habitual actions.
Difference Between Gave and Give
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Gave" is used to describe actions that have been completed in the past. It signifies that something was handed over, offered, or bestowed by one party to another at a specific moment that has already passed. On the other hand, "give" is used for actions that are occurring in the present or generally happen. It can imply an ongoing action, a habitual action, or a future intention when used with will/shall.
The choice between "gave" and "give" depends on the timing of the action in relation to the speaker's present moment. When recounting past events or actions, "gave" is appropriate. When discussing current, habitual, or future actions, "give" is used.
In terms of grammatical structure, "gave" can stand alone as the main verb in a past tense sentence, while "give" may require auxiliary verbs to indicate different tenses or moods, such as "will give" for future tense or "can give" to express ability.
Despite these differences, both "gave" and "give" convey the act of transferring something from one entity to another, emphasizing the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
Comparison Chart
Tense
Past
Present (can also be used for future with auxiliaries)
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Usage
Describes actions completed in the past
Describes current, habitual, or future actions
Example
"He gave her a gift yesterday."
"I give him a ride to work every day."
Auxiliary Verbs
Used without auxiliaries in simple past tense
May require auxiliaries for different tenses or moods
Action Timing
Indicates a definite action that has already occurred
Indicates an ongoing, habitual, or intended action
Compare with Definitions
Gave
Past tense of give, indicating a completed action of providing or transferring something.
She gave a meaningful speech at the ceremony.
Give
To present voluntarily without expecting anything in return; to hand over.
I will give you my notes for the class.
Gave
In a historical or narrative context, "gave" recounts actions or events.
The document gave insight into the era's social dynamics.
Give
It is used to indicate the granting of permission or opportunity.
Can you give me a moment to explain?
Gave
"Gave" can also imply an act of concession or surrender in the past.
After hours of negotiation, they finally gave in to our demands.
Give
"Give" can imply the act of yielding or conceding in the present.
Don't give up on your dreams so easily.
Gave
"Gave" can express past actions of granting permission or opportunity.
The teacher gave us extra time to finish the project.
Give
It also expresses the act of hosting or organizing an event.
We're going to give a party next weekend.
Gave
It can also indicate the past occurrence of physical reactions or responses.
The intense workout gave him sore muscles.
Give
"Give" can denote causing or assigning something to someone.
This spicy food will give you heartburn.
Gave
Past tense of give.
Give
Freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone)
He gave the papers back
The cheque given to the jeweller proved worthless
She gave him presents and clothes
Gave
Past participle of give
Give
Cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience (something); provide with
You gave me such a fright
This leaflet gives our opening times
Give
Carry out or perform (a specified action)
He gave the counter a polish
I gave a bow
Give
Yield as a product or result
Milk is sometimes added to give a richer cheese
Give
Concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone)
Give him his due
Give
State or put forward (information or argument)
He did not give his name
Give
Alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break
That chair doesn't give
Give
Capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure
Plastic pots that have enough give to accommodate the vigorous roots
Give
To make a present of
We gave her flowers for her birthday.
Give
To place in the hands of; pass
Give me the scissors.
Give
To deliver in exchange or recompense; pay
Gave five dollars for the book.
Give
To let go for a price; sell
Gave the used car away for two thousand dollars.
Give
To administer
Give him some cough medicine.
Give
To convey by a physical action
Gave me a punch in the nose.
Give
To inflict as punishment
Was given life imprisonment for the crime.
Give
To bestow, especially officially; confer
The Bill of Rights gives us freedom of speech.
Give
To accord or tender to another
Give him your confidence.
Give
To put temporarily at the disposal of
Gave them the cottage for a week.
Give
To entrust to another, usually for a specified reason
Gave me the keys for safekeeping.
Give
To communicate, convey, or offer for conveyance
Give him my best wishes. Give us the latest news.
Give
To endure the loss of; sacrifice
Gave her son to the war.
Gave her life for her country.
Give
To devote or apply completely
Gives herself to her work.
Give
To furnish or contribute
Gave their time to help others.
Give
To offer in good faith; pledge
Give me your word.
Give
To allot as a portion or share.
Give
To bestow (a name, for example).
Give
To attribute (blame, for example) to someone; assign.
Give
To award as due
Gave us first prize.
Give
To emit or utter
Gave a groan.
Gave a muted response.
Give
To submit for consideration, acceptance, or use
Give an opinion.
Give an excuse.
Give
To proffer to another
Gave the toddler my hand.
Give
To perform for an audience
Give a recital.
Give
To present to view
Gave the sign to begin.
Give
To offer as entertainment
Give a dinner party.
Give
To propose as a toast.
Give
To be a source of; afford
His remark gave offense. Music gives her pleasure.
Give
To cause to catch or be subject to (a disease or bodily condition)
The draft gave me a cold.
Give
To guide or direct, as by persuasion or behavior. Used with an infinitive phrase
You gave me to imagine you approved of my report.
Give
To yield or produce
Cows give milk.
Give
To bring forth or bear
Trees that give fruit.
Give
To produce as a result of calculation
5 × 12 gives 60.
Give
To manifest or show
Gives promise of brilliance.
Gave evidence of tampering.
Give
To carry out (a physical movement)
Give a wink.
Give a start.
Give
To permit one to have or take
Gave us an hour to finish.
Give
To take an interest to the extent of
"My dear, I don't give a damn" (Margaret Mitchell).
Give
To make gifts or donations
Gives generously to charity.
Give
To yield to physical force
The sail gave during the storm.
Give
To collapse from force or pressure
The roof gave under the weight of the snow.
Give
To yield to change
Both sides will have to give on some issues.
Give
To afford access or a view; open
The doors give onto a terrace.
Give
(Slang) To be in progress; happen
What gives?.
Give
Capacity or inclination to yield under pressure.
Give
The quality or condition of resilience; springiness
"Fruits that have some give ... will have more juice than hard ones" (Elizabeth Schneider).
Give
(ditransitive) To move, shift, provide something abstract or concrete to someone or something or somewhere.
Give
To transfer one's possession or holding of (something) to (someone).
I gave him my coat.
I gave my coat to the beggar.
When they asked, I gave my coat.
Give
To make a present or gift of.
I'm going to give my wife a necklace for her birthday.
She gave a pair of shoes to her husband for their anniversary.
He gives of his energies to the organization.
Give
To pledge.
I gave him my word that I'd protect his children.
Give
To provide (something) to (someone), to allow or afford.
I gave them permission to miss tomorrow's class.
Please give me some more time.
Give
To cause (a sensation or feeling) to exist in.
It gives me a lot of pleasure to be here tonight.
The fence gave me an electric shock.
My mother-in-law gives me nothing but grief.
Give
To carry out (a physical interaction) with (something).
I want to give you a kiss.
She gave him a hug.
I'd like to give the tire a kick.
I gave the boy a push on the swing.
She gave me a wink afterwards, so I knew she was joking.
Give
To pass (something) into (someone's hand, etc.).
Give me your hand.
On entering the house, he gave his coat to the doorman.
Give
To cause (a disease or condition) in, or to transmit (a disease or condition) to.
My boyfriend gave me chlamydia.
He was convinced that it was his alcoholism that gave him cancer.
Give
(transitive) To provide, as, a service or a broadcast.
They're giving my favorite show!
Give
(ditransitive) To estimate or predict (a duration or probability) for (something).
I give it ten minutes before he gives up.
I give it a 95% chance of success.
I'll give their marriage six months.
Give
(intransitive) To yield or collapse under pressure or force.
One pillar gave, then more, and suddenly the whole floor pancaked onto the floor below.
Give
(intransitive) To lead (onto or into).
The master bedroom gives onto a spacious balcony.
Give
To provide a view of.
His window gave the park.
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to yield.
The number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Give
To cause; to make; used with the infinitive.
Give
To cause (someone) to have; produce in (someone); effectuate.
Give
To allow or admit by way of supposition; to concede.
He can be bad-tempered, I'll give you that, but he's a hard worker.
Give
To attribute; to assign; to adjudge.
Give
To communicate or announce (advice, tidings, etc.); to pronounce or utter (an opinion, a judgment, a shout, etc.).
The umpire finally gave his decision: the ball was out.
Give
To grant power, permission, destiny, etc. (especially to a person); to allot; to allow.
Give
(reflexive) To devote or apply (oneself).
The soldiers give themselves to plunder.
That boy is given to fits of bad temper.
Give
(obsolete) To become soft or moist.
Give
(obsolete) To shed tears; to weep.
Give
(obsolete) To have a misgiving.
Give
(slang) To be going on, to be occurring; what gives?
Your outfit is giving!
Give
The amount of bending that something undergoes when a force is applied to it; a tendency to yield under pressure; resilence.
This chair doesn't have much give.
There is no give in his dogmatic religious beliefs.
Give
To bestow without receiving a return; to confer without compensation; to impart, as a possession; to grant, as authority or permission; to yield up or allow.
For generous lords had rather give than pay.
Give
To yield possesion of; to deliver over, as property, in exchange for something; to pay; as, we give the value of what we buy.
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?
Give
To yield; to furnish; to produce; to emit; as, flint and steel give sparks.
Give
To communicate or announce, as advice, tidings, etc.; to pronounce; to render or utter, as an opinion, a judgment, a sentence, a shout, etc.
Give
To grant power or license to; to permit; to allow; to license; to commission.
It is given me once again to behold my friend.
Then give thy friend to shed the sacred wine.
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to show; as, the number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Give
To devote; to apply; used reflexively, to devote or apply one's self; as, the soldiers give themselves to plunder; also in this sense used very frequently in the past participle; as, the people are given to luxury and pleasure; the youth is given to study.
Give
To set forth as a known quantity or a known relation, or as a premise from which to reason; - used principally in the passive form given.
Give
To allow or admit by way of supposition.
I give not heaven for lost.
Give
To attribute; to assign; to adjudge.
I don't wonder at people's giving him to me as a lover.
Give
To excite or cause to exist, as a sensation; as, to give offense; to give pleasure or pain.
Give
To pledge; as, to give one's word.
Give
To cause; to make; - with the infinitive; as, to give one to understand, to know, etc.
But there the duke was given to understandThat in a gondola were seen togetherLorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
Give
To afford a view of; as, his window gave the park.
Whatsoever we employ in charitable uses during our lives, is given away from ourselves.
I fear our ears have given us the bag.
One that gives out himself Prince Florizel.
Give out you are of Epidamnum.
The Babylonians had given themselves over to all manner of vice.
He has . . . given upFor certain drops of salt, your city Rome.
I'll not state themBy giving up their characters.
Give
To give a gift or gifts.
Give
To yield to force or pressure; to relax; to become less rigid; as, the earth gives under the feet.
Give
To become soft or moist.
Give
To move; to recede.
Now back he gives, then rushes on amain.
Give
To shed tears; to weep.
Whose eyes do never giveBut through lust and laughter.
Give
To have a misgiving.
My mind gives ye're reservedTo rob poor market women.
Give
To open; to lead.
This, yielding, gave into a grassy walk.
They gave back and came no farther.
The Scots battalion was enforced to give in.
This consideration may induce a translator to give in to those general phrases.
Rooms which gave upon a pillared porch.
The gloomy staircase on which the grating gave.
It would be well for all authors, if they knew when to give over, and to desist from any further pursuits after fame.
Give
The elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
Give
Cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense;
She gave him a black eye
The draft gave me a cold
Give
Be the cause or source of;
He gave me a lot of trouble
Our meeting afforded much interesting information
Give
Transfer possession of something concrete or abstract to somebody;
I gave her my money
Can you give me lessons?
She gave the children lots of love and tender loving care
Give
Convey or reveal information;
Give one's name
Give
Convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow;
Don't pay him any mind
Give the orders
Give him my best regards
Pay attention
Give
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Give
Convey or communicate; of a smile, a look, a physical gesture;
Throw a glance
She gave me a dirty look
Give
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Give
Bring about;
His two singles gave the team the victory
Give
Dedicate;
Give thought to
Give priority to
Pay attention to
Give
Give or supply;
The cow brings in 5 liters of milk
This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn
The estate renders some revenue for the family
Give
Tell or deposit (information) knowledge;
Give a secret to the Russians
Leave your name and address here
Give
Bring about;
The trompe l'oeil-illusion establishes depth
Give
Leave with; give temporarily;
Can I give you my keys while I go in the pool?
Can I give you the children for the weekend?
Give
Emit or utter;
Give a gulp
Give a yelp
Give
Endure the loss of;
He gave his life for his children
I gave two sons to the war
Give
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Give
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Give
Give (as medicine);
I gave him the drug
Give
Give or convey physically;
She gave him First Aid
I gave him a punch in the nose
Give
Bestow;
Give hommage
Render thanks
Give
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
Give
Move in order to make room for someone for something;
The park gave way to a supermarket
`Move over,' he told the crowd
Give
Give food to;
Feed the starving children in India
Don't give the child this tough meat
Give
Contribute to some cause;
I gave at the office
Give
Break down, literally or metaphorically;
The wall collapsed
The business collapsed
The dam broke
The roof collapsed
The wall gave in
The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice
Give
Estimate the duration or outcome of something;
He gave the patient three months to live
I gave him a very good chance at success
Give
Execute and deliver;
Give bond
Give
Deliver in exchange or recompense;
I'll give you three books for four CDs
Give
Afford access to;
The door opens to the patio
The French doors give onto a terrace
Give
Present to view;
He gave the sign to start
Give
Perform for an audience;
Pollini is giving another concert in New York
Give
Be flexible under stress of physical force;
This material doesn't give
Give
Propose;
He gave the first of many toasts at the birthday party
Give
Legal use: accord by verdict;
Give a decision for the plaintiff
Give
Manifest or show;
This student gives promise of real creativity
The office gave evidence of tampering
Give
Offer in good faith;
He gave her his word
Give
Submit for consideration, judgment, or use;
Give one's opinion
Give an excuse
Give
Guide or direct, as by behavior of persuasion;
You gave me to think that you agreed with me
Give
Allow to have or take;
I give you two minutes to respond
Give
Inflict as a punishment;
She gave the boy a good spanking
The judge gave me 10 years
Give
Occur;
What gives?
Give
Proffer (a body part);
She gave her hand to her little sister
Common Curiosities
Can "give" be used to talk about future actions?
Yes, "give" can be used with future intentions, especially with auxiliary verbs like "will" or "shall."
How do "gave" and "give" relate to the concept of time in grammar?
"Gave" and "give" reflect time by indicating when the action of transferring or providing occurred or occurs, relating directly to tense.
How does context affect the use of "gave" and "give"?
The context of the conversation, such as discussing past events or future plans, dictates whether "gave" or "give" is appropriate.
Is it correct to use "gave" when referring to a recent action?
Yes, "gave" is correct for actions that have already been completed, even if they were very recent, as long as they are in the past.
How does the object of "give" or "gave" affect sentence structure?
Both "give" and "gave" can take direct objects (the thing given) and indirect objects (the recipient), e.g., "I give him a book" or "I gave her a book."
Can "give" be used in imperative sentences?
Yes, "give" is often used in imperative sentences to issue commands or requests, e.g., "Give me the report by tomorrow."
Can "give" have different meanings based on its usage?
Yes, "give" can have various meanings, including transferring possession, granting permission, causing a condition, or organizing an event, depending on the context.
Can "give" be used without specifying what is given?
Yes, "give" can be used generally or when the context makes it clear what is given, e.g., "Please give generously."
Are "gave" and "give" interchangeable in any context?
No, they are not interchangeable due to their tense differences; "gave" is used for past actions, while "give" is for present or future actions.
How do "gave" and "give" function in passive sentences?
In passive constructions, the focus shifts to the recipient, e.g., "A chance was given to her" or "A reward was given by the committee."
Can "gave" and "give" be used metaphorically?
Yes, both can be used metaphorically, e.g., "He gave his heart to her" or "This job gives me a purpose."
How do "give" and "gave" interact with indirect speech?
In indirect speech, "give" can change to "gave" depending on the tense of the reporting verb, e.g., "He said he will give me a book" becomes "He said he would give me a book."
How do different prepositions change the meaning of "give"?
Prepositions can alter the meaning, e.g., "give in" (surrender), "give out" (distribute or fail), "give up" (quit).
Do "gave" and "give" have any special usage in legal or formal contexts?
Yes, in legal or formal contexts, both can be used to denote the granting of rights, titles, or properties, e.g., "The deed gave him ownership of the land" or "The law gives citizens the right to vote."
Is "gave" always related to tangible items?
No, "gave" can also refer to intangible things like advice, consent, or an opportunity, e.g., "He gave his approval."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
