gave us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was provided or delivered to a group of people in the past. Example: "The teacher gave us a lot of homework over the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You gave us rhyme.

The New York Times

"He gave us freedom".

The New York Times

"Gave us many ideas".

The New Yorker

You gave us Wolverine.

Independent

He gave us everything".

The New Yorker

He gave us handouts.

The New York Times - Magazine

They gave us hats.

The New Yorker

They gave us money.

The New Yorker

They gave us inspiration".

The New York Times

You gave us wit.

The New York Times

That gave us pause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave us", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving and who is receiving. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "gave us" when the subject is singular or does not logically align with the plural "us". Ensure the subject is a group or entity capable of giving something to a group of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave us" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "gave" is the verb indicating the action of providing, and "us" is the direct object, representing the recipients of that action. Ludwig's analysis confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave us" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that something was provided or bestowed upon a group. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "provided us with" or "offered us" exist, "gave us" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice for expressing the act of giving in the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided us with

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something, often implying a deliberate or planned action. Slightly more formal.

supplied to us

Focuses on the act of furnishing something necessary or useful. Similar to 'provided', but can emphasize meeting a specific need.

offered us

Highlights the act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection. It can suggest a more tentative or conditional giving.

furnished us with

Similar to 'provided', but often used for tangible items or equipment. It can also imply a complete or comprehensive giving.

presented us with

Highlights the act of formally introducing or offering something. It can suggest a more structured or organized giving.

granted us

Suggests permission or authorization, implying that something was given that was previously withheld or restricted.

imparted to us

Focuses on the act of communicating or transmitting knowledge, wisdom, or skills. It suggests a transfer of intangible value.

endowed us with

Implies a lasting or inherent giving, often of a quality, talent, or characteristic. It suggests a natural or intrinsic provision.

accorded us

Suggests a formal or official granting, often of respect, recognition, or status. It can imply a sense of entitlement or desert.

bestowed upon us

Implies a formal or ceremonial giving, often of a gift, honor, or right. It carries a sense of grandeur or significance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "gave us" mean?

The phrase "gave us" means that someone or something provided or delivered something to a group of people that includes the speaker. It indicates an act of bestowing or offering something.

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

You can use "gave us" to describe something that was provided to a group. For example, "The teacher "gave us" homework" or "The company "gave us" a bonus".

What are some alternatives to "gave us"?

Some alternatives to "gave us" include "provided us with", "offered us", or "supplied us with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "give us" instead of "gave us"?

No, "give us" is present tense, while "gave us" is past tense. Use "gave us" when referring to something that happened in the past. Use "give us" when requesting something in the present or future.