gave to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the recipient of something that was given, often in the context of a gift or transfer of possession. Example: "She gave to her friend a beautiful necklace for her birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He gave to charities.

The New Yorker

He said he mainly gave to Republicans.

The New York Times

Then gave to us.

The Guardian - Film

I gave to charities.

The New York Times

Buell personally gave to McAuliffe.

The Washington Post

And 25 gave to both.

The New York Times

gave to the local mood.

The New York Times - Sports

gave to it the effect of law.

Cornell University

He gave to like every imaginable university.

Yale University

The rest he gave to Danielle.

The Guardian

Steven J. Green personally gave to McAuliffe.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave to", ensure the recipient is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "She "gave to" the charity" is clearer than "She gave."

Common error

Avoid redundant prepositions. Instead of "He gave the book to to her", use "He gave the book to her" or "He gave her the book."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave to" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of transferring something (physical or abstract) to a recipient. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly and correctly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that clearly indicates the transfer of something to a recipient. Ludwig AI validates its widespread and correct usage across diverse contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources. While alternatives like "provided to" or "donated to" exist, "gave to" remains a versatile and direct way to express the act of giving, whether in formal or informal settings. Pay attention to avoid redundancy and ensure the recipient is clearly identified for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided to

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the act of giving.

donated to

Implies a charitable contribution or gift.

handed over to

Indicates a direct, physical transfer.

contributed to

Emphasizes the act of giving as part of a larger effort.

supplied to

Highlights the act of providing necessary resources.

bestowed upon

Suggests a formal or ceremonial act of giving.

passed on to

Implies inheritance or a sequential transfer.

transferred to

Focuses on the change of ownership or location.

granted to

Suggests permission or authorization in addition to giving.

allotted to

Suggests a specific portion or amount being given.

FAQs

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

Use "gave to" to indicate the recipient of something that was transferred. For example, "She "gave to" her friend a beautiful necklace for her birthday."

What are some alternatives to "gave to"?

You can use alternatives such as "provided to", "donated to", or "handed over to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gave to" or is "gave" sufficient?

While "gave" can be sufficient, "gave to" is used to emphasize the recipient, particularly when the recipient might not be immediately clear. Both are grammatically correct but serve slightly different purposes.

When should I use "gave to" instead of a simple "gave"?

Use "gave to" when you want to highlight or clarify the recipient of the action. For example, instead of saying "He gave money", you might say "He "gave to" the homeless shelter" to specify where the money went.