gives

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gives' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the action of providing something to someone. For example: "The charity organization gives food and clothing to the homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two supreme court justices thought likely to cast the deciding votes, Anthony Kennedy and the chief justice, John Roberts, appeared deeply sceptical of the government's contention that healthcare regulation is a special case that gives Congress the power to oblige individuals to obtain insurance.

The Guardian

It gives me the right to identify you.

The Guardian - Film

She gives an example.

The New York Times

"For as long as God gives me life, I will remain in my place at the battle stations," he wrote.

The Guardian

The TNS poll gives the SNP a 10-point lead over Scottish Labour among those certain to vote, at 41% against 31%, putting nearly half of the 41 Westminster seats won by Scottish Labour in 2010 at risk.

The Guardian

It gives us a real belief for the game; whatever happens in the match, we are equipped to deal with it".

The Guardian - Sport

But the second or third generation want to pursue art claims, as opposed to other financial assets, because it gives them a key to the taste of their grandparents and a glimpse of how their lives were before the Nazis".

The Guardian - Arts

It gives the ecosystem a holistic boost, encouraging wildlife like bush pigeons and rabbits to return, and providing welcome human benefits such as wood cuttings for cooking and new food sources such as tamarind.

The Guardian

Yet the coalition endured the past year, and is most likely to survive 2013 as well, if only because its very unpopularity gives the Tories and the Lib Dems a mutual interest in avoiding an early election.

The Guardian - Opinion

I doubt that he gives much of a toss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet public spending does not make up for this inequality, since Whitehall's Barnett formula gives more per head to Scotland than to Wales.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gives", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being provided and to whom. For varied writing, consider synonyms like "provides" or "offers" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "gives" interchangeably with words that have different connotations. For instance, while "gives" generally means to provide, using "grants" implies a formal bestowal, and misusing these can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

"Gives" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense of "give". It denotes the action of providing, offering, or bestowing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gives" is a versatile and frequently used verb, primarily serving to denote the action of providing or offering something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "provides" or "offers" can add nuance, "gives" remains a staple in everyday language. Be mindful of the specific connotation you wish to convey to avoid misusing synonyms and altering the intended meaning. Overall, "gives" is a fundamental component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides

Indicates a more formal or official supply of something.

offers

Suggests presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

supplies

Implies providing something that is needed or required.

grants

Denotes formally giving or bestowing something.

confers

Suggests bestowing an honor, right, or advantage.

bestows

Emphasizes the act of presenting something as a gift or honor.

imparts

Conveys the idea of transmitting knowledge or information.

renders

Indicates providing a service or result.

hands over

Implies physically giving something to someone.

passes on

Suggests transferring something, often information or a responsibility.

FAQs

How to use "gives" in a sentence?

You can use "gives" to indicate the action of providing something to someone. For example, "The charity organization "gives" food and clothing to the homeless."

What can I say instead of "gives"?

You can use alternatives like "provides", "offers", or "supplies" depending on the context.

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

"Gives" is the third-person singular present tense form of "give". Use "gives" when the subject is singular (e.g., "He gives"). Use "give" for other subjects (e.g., "I give", "They give").

What's the difference between "gives" and "grants"?

"Gives" is a general term for providing something. "Grants" implies a more formal or official bestowal, such as a government granting permission or funding.