give to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the act of transferring something to someone or something. Example: "Please give to the charity of your choice to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I give to AIDS".

The New York Times

They give to incumbents.

The New York Times

I give to everybody.

The New Yorker

When to give to panhandlers?

The New York Times - Travel

6. Don't give to panhandlers.

The New York Times - Travel

can give to the trade.

The New Yorker

On everything you give to others.

Independent

Many also give to the arts.

Independent

People give to people.

The New York Times

And what does he give to Princeton?

The New York Times

"Some we will give to a museum".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give to", ensure that the recipient is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "give to charity" is less precise than "give to the Red Cross."

Common error

Avoid using "give to" in overly passive constructions. For instance, instead of saying "The book was given to her", a more direct approach is "He gave the book to her."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give to" functions as a verb phrase, primarily indicating the act of transferring something (tangible or intangible) to a recipient. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules. Examples from Ludwig show its diverse use in indicating donations, providing assistance, or imparting knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the act of transferring something to a recipient. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase adheres to standard grammatical rules and is versatile in its application. It appears most commonly in news and media, wiki, and science contexts, with a neutral formality level. While the phrase is generally clear, specifying the recipient can enhance clarity. Alternative phrases like "donate to" or "contribute to" may be more appropriate in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

donate to

Focuses specifically on contributing to a cause or organization, often implying a charitable action.

contribute to

Similar to donate, but can also refer to providing something non-monetary.

offer to

Implies a willingness to provide something, but not necessarily a completed action.

provide to

A more formal way of saying "give to", often used in business or official contexts.

supply to

Suggests providing a necessary item or resource.

hand over to

Implies a physical transfer of something to someone.

grant to

Suggests a formal or official giving, often used in the context of permissions or resources.

bestow upon

A more ceremonial or formal way of saying "give to", often used for honors or gifts.

impart to

Refers to conveying knowledge, wisdom, or a skill to someone.

allot to

Implies distributing or assigning something to someone from a larger quantity.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "give to" when donating?

When donating, you can use alternatives like "donate to", "contribute to", or "offer to" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the recipient when using "give to"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the recipient after "give to" enhances clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings. For example, instead of "give to someone", specify "give to John".

How does "give to" differ from "provide to" in formal writing?

"Provide to" is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or business contexts, while "give to" is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations. Use "provide to" when a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Can "give to" be used in contexts other than charitable donations?

Yes, "give to" can be used in various contexts beyond charitable donations, such as giving advice, giving attention, or giving a physical object. The meaning varies depending on the context, as shown by examples such as "give advice to", or "give attention to".