gives to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the act of providing something to someone or something. Example: "She gives to charity every month to support those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Environment: A thing that Google gives to.

The New Yorker

Gives to Toure who passes to Aguero.

The New York Times

Charity: A thing that Google gives to.

The New Yorker

Moses: She gives to charity.

The New Yorker

This she gives to her own protagonist.

The Guardian - Books

3. The Creator gives to man certain unalienable rights.

The New York Times - Magazine

But don't under-estimate what Gary gives to Beckham's game.

The Guardian - Sport

Anything I ask of God, he always gives to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

He also gives to Democratic committees, Mr. Minarik said.

The New York Times

Never, never discount the elbow that pride gives to conduct.

The New York Times - Magazine

In another iteration, called a domino chain, a good Samaritan donor gives to a stranger, whose paired donor then gives to another stranger, and so on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to charitable contributions, "donates to" is often a more precise and impactful choice than "gives to".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "gives to" can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider stronger verbs like "provides", "allocates", or "confers" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives to" primarily functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the action of bestowing or providing something to a recipient. Ludwig examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from charitable donations to abstract conferrals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gives to" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of providing or bestowing something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. While suitable for various contexts, more precise alternatives like "provides to", "donates to", or "allocates to" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Its usage spans across news, scientific articles, and general communication. While the phrase is generally acceptable in formal context, consider using more sophisticated words for better writing. Remembering these nuances will help you use "gives to" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provides to

A more formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

donates to

Specifically implies a charitable contribution.

allocates to

Suggests a deliberate distribution of resources.

awards to

Implies a formal recognition or grant.

grants to

Similar to "awards to", but often used in the context of permissions or privileges.

confers upon

A more elevated and formal way of saying "gives to", often used for abstract qualities or honors.

bestows upon

Similar to "confers upon", with a sense of generosity or favor.

transfers to

Focuses on the movement of something from one entity to another.

passes on to

Indicates the transmission of something, often knowledge or tradition.

attributes to

Assigns a quality or characteristic to something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "gives to" indicates providing something to someone or something. For example, "The company gives to local charities", or "The new policy gives more power to the employees".

What are some alternatives to "gives to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "provides to", "donates to", or "allocates to" as alternatives to "gives to".

Is "gives to" formal or informal?

"Gives to" is generally considered neutral in tone. However, in more formal contexts, alternatives like "confers upon" or "bestows upon" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "gives to" over other similar phrases?

Use "gives to" when you want a straightforward and uncomplicated way to express the act of providing something. It's suitable for general use but might lack the nuance of more specific alternatives in certain situations.