If you’re unsure whether to use giving or given, you’re not alone. These two forms of the verb “give” look similar but play different roles in a sentence.
Here’s the simple truth: both are correct, but they’re used in different grammatical contexts.
Quick Answer: Giving or Given
- Giving → present participle (action happening)
- Given → past participle (completed action or passive form)
- Both are correct depending on sentence structure
Example:
- She is giving a speech.
- He has given his answer.
What Does “Giving” Mean?
Giving is the present participle of “give.” It is used for:
- Continuous actions
- Ongoing events
- Gerunds (as a noun)
Common Uses of “Giving”
- Is giving / are giving
- Giving as an activity
- Describing ongoing action
Examples of “Giving”
- She is giving a presentation.
- They are giving their time to help.
- Giving is better than receiving.
- He kept giving excuses.
Think: giving = happening now
What Does “Given” Mean?
Given is the past participle of “give.” It is used for:
- Perfect tenses
- Passive voice
- Describing completed actions
Common Uses of “Given”
- Has given / have given
- Was given
- Given that (as a phrase)
Examples of “Given”
- She has given her opinion.
- The award was given to him.
- I had given my answer earlier.
- Given the situation, we stayed calm.
Think: given = already done
Giving vs Given Comparison
| Word | Form | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giving | Present participle | Ongoing action | She is giving a speech |
| Given | Past participle | Completed action | She has given a speech |
Key Difference Explained Simply
- Giving = action in progress
- Given = action completed or passive
Example:
- He is giving a gift.
- He has given a gift.
Easy Trick to Remember
Use this simple rule:
👉 -ing = happening now
👉 -en = already done
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Using “Given” Without a Helping Verb
Incorrect: He given the book.
Correct: He has given the book.
Mistake 2: Confusing Tenses
Incorrect: She is given a speech.
Correct: She is giving a speech.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Passive Voice
“The book was given” is correct in passive form.
Real-Life Examples
Everyday Use
- I am giving you this chance.
- I have given you my answer.
Workplace
- She is giving a report.
- The task was given yesterday.
Academic Context
- The teacher is giving instructions.
- Instructions were given clearly.
Special Phrase: “Given That”
Given that means:
- Considering
- Taking into account
Example:
- Given that it’s raining, we’ll stay inside.
American vs British English
There is no difference:
- Giving ✅
- Given ✅
Related Forms of “Give”
- Give (base form)
- Gives (present)
- Gave (past)
- Given (past participle)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is correct giving or given?
Both are correct depending on context.
What is the difference between giving and given?
Giving is ongoing; given is completed.
Can given be used alone?
Usually with a helping verb or in phrases.
Is giving a verb or noun?
It can be both.
What tense is given?
Past participle.
What tense is giving?
Present participle.
How do I remember the difference?
-ing = now, -en = done
Is this a common confusion?
Yes.
Summary
The difference between giving or given comes down to tense and usage. Giving is used for actions that are happening now or continuously, while given is used for completed actions, perfect tenses, and passive constructions.
To use them correctly, remember this simple rule: if the action is ongoing, use giving; if it’s already completed or passive, use given.
Actionable takeaway:
Use giving for ongoing actions and given for completed or passive ones.
