gave him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of transferring something to a male recipient in the past tense. Example: "She gave him a book for his birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We gave him everything.

The New York Times

gave him three grants.

The New York Times

"We gave him books.

The New Yorker

Lou gave him that".

The New Yorker

It gave him hope.

The New Yorker

Studying gave him headaches.

The New York Times - Sports

That gave him power".

The New York Times

I gave him life".

The New Yorker

PowerPoint gave him power.

The New Yorker

He gave him money.

The New Yorker

His family gave him agita.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave him" when you want to simply and directly express the act of providing something to a male individual. It is versatile and suitable for most informal and neutral contexts.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid repetitive use of "gave him". Vary your language by using synonyms such as "provided him with", "bestowed upon him", or "presented him with" to add sophistication and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave him" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes an action (giving) performed on a direct object (him). Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, reflecting its fundamental role in expressing the transfer of something to a male recipient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave him" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase to indicate the act of providing something to a male. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammar rules, deeming it "correct". It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a wide range of everyday communication. While versatile, it may be beneficial to consider more formal alternatives like "provided him with" in professional writing to enhance precision. Although

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handed him

Suggests a more casual and direct transfer, often used for physical objects.

provided him with

Substitutes "gave" with a slightly more descriptive phrase emphasizing the act of supplying something.

offered him

Indicates that something was presented for acceptance or rejection.

presented him with

Implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving, suitable for special occasions.

passed on to him

Suggests transferring something, often knowledge or responsibility, from one person to another.

supplied him with

Similar to "provided him with" but can emphasize a regular or continuous supply.

bestowed upon him

Replaces the simpler verb "gave" with a more formal and elevated term, "bestowed".

awarded him

Implies a formal recognition or prize being given.

granted him

Conveys the act of bestowing a right, privilege, or opportunity.

transferred to him

Indicates a formal or official transfer of ownership or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "gave him" in a sentence?

You can use "gave him" when you want to express that someone provided something to a male individual. For example: "She "gave him" the book".

What are some alternatives to "gave him"?

Alternatives include: "handed him", "provided him with", or "presented him with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "gave him" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "gave him" can sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "bestowed upon him" or "presented him with" for professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "gave him" and "provided him with"?

"Gave him" is a simple, direct way to say someone transferred something to him. "Provided him with" "provided him with" emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something, and it can sound more formal.