give

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "give" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb when referring to something that is being given, such as an object, feeling, or action. Example: She gave him a hug to show her appreciation for his hard work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wanted to give society a chance to determine if it should change itself.

The Guardian

"We closed the park immediately whilst preliminary investigations took place and to give our staff time to come to terms with the accident and its aftermath.

The Guardian

"The Austrian government didn't want to give them back".

The Guardian - Arts

Give me a break.

The New York Times

So stand your ground, Mr. President, and don't give in to threats.

The New York Times

We will never give up.

The Guardian

Don't give up the day job.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I mean, give me a break.

The Guardian

Further Scottish devolution and measures that will give English MPs more say over laws that only affect England.

The Guardian

If the Conservatives' latest policy of a cut in national insurance was meant to give him a debating advantage against Vince Cable and Alistair Darling, the plan backfired in spectacular fashion.

The Guardian

The federal appeals court in Atlanta ordered that the execution should be delayed for at least 30 days, while a Georgia court of appeals imposed its own stay to give the courts more time to consider the propriety of the single lethal injection as a method of killing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give" to denote an action, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being given and to whom or what it is being given. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "give" passively when a more direct verb would provide clarity. For example, instead of "The book was given to her", use "She received the book" or "Someone gave her the book."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "give" is as a transitive verb, requiring both a subject and an object. As noted by Ludwig, it denotes the act of transferring something, whether tangible or intangible, from one entity to another. Examples include "give money", "give advice", and "give a hug".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give" functions primarily as a transitive verb used to denote the transfer of something from one entity to another. As Ludwig AI highlights, this transfer can encompass tangible objects, advice, or even abstract concepts. Its versatility makes it applicable across various registers, though it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. To use "give" effectively, ensure the context clearly identifies both the giver and the receiver, avoiding passive constructions for enhanced clarity. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently incorporate "give" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something needed or desired.

offer

Suggests presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

grant

Implies formally bestowing a right or privilege.

donate

Specifically refers to giving something, especially money or goods, to a charity or cause.

supply

Highlights the provision of necessities or resources.

present

Focuses on formally offering something, often as a gift or honor.

bestow

Indicates conferring something as an honor or gift.

award

Suggests formally giving something as a prize or recognition.

hand over

Implies transferring physical possession of something.

impart

Denotes conveying knowledge, wisdom, or a quality.

FAQs

How can I use "give" in a sentence?

You can use "give" in a sentence to mean to transfer possession, offer something, or provide something. For example, "I will "give" you my coat", "She "gave" a speech", or "They "give" advice".

What can I say instead of "give"?

You can use alternatives like "provide", "offer", or "grant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "give" or "gave"?

"Give" is the present tense, while "gave" is the past tense. Use ""give"" for present actions and "gave" for past actions.

What's the difference between "give" and "donate"?

"Give" is a general term for transferring something. "Donate" specifically refers to giving something, typically money or goods, to a charity or cause.