gave them

USAGE SUMMARY

"gave them" is a perfectly grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
Example: The teacher gave them the assignment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He gave them water.

The New York Times

No one gave them.

The New York Times

Cops gave them updates.

The New Yorker

We gave them hope.

The New York Times

Taylor gave them tea.

The New Yorker

He gave them names.

The New York Times

Jordan alone gave them citizenship.

The Economist

We gave them the game.

The New York Times

Hendler gave them the money.

The New Yorker

I gave them my permission.

The New York Times

It gave them some skills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave them", ensure the context clearly indicates what was given and to whom. Avoid ambiguity by being specific about the object or concept being transferred.

Common error

Avoid using "gave them" when the referent of "them" is unclear or distant from the phrase. Ensure the readers can easily identify who or what "them" refers to, or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave them" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "gave" is the verb indicating the act of providing or transferring something, and "them" is the indirect object, specifying who received it. Ludwig examples illustrate its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave them" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to indicate the act of providing or offering something to a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic writing. While alternatives like "provided them with" or "granted them" may be more appropriate in formal settings, "gave them" maintains a neutral tone suitable for most situations. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the recipients ("them") and the object being given are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. In essence, "gave them" serves as a straightforward and effective way to express the act of bestowing something upon a group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided them with

Replaces "gave" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of supplying something.

supplied them with

Similar to "provided", but can suggest a more practical or necessary provision.

offered to them

Focuses on the act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

presented them with

Highlights the act of formally introducing or offering something.

granted them

Implies a formal or official bestowal of something.

handed over to them

Emphasizes the physical act of transferring something.

bestowed upon them

Suggests a formal or ceremonial giving of something.

allotted to them

Suggests a specific portion or share being given.

issued to them

Focuses on officially releasing or distributing something.

assigned to them

Implies a duty or responsibility being given.

FAQs

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

The phrase "gave them" is used to indicate that someone provided something to a group. For instance, "The teacher "gave them" instructions" means the teacher provided the instructions to the students.

What are some alternatives to using "gave them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "provided them with", "offered to them", or "granted them". These alternatives can add nuance and formality to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "gave them" in formal writing?

Yes, "gave them" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, although more formal alternatives like "provided" or "granted" might be preferred in certain contexts.

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

"Gave them" is a general term for providing something. "Provided them with" is more formal and emphasizes the act of supplying something, often something necessary or useful.