Master English Tenses Fast: Give, Gave, Given Explained

Overview of “Give, Gave, Given” in English

The verb “give” is a fundamental verb in English, used in different forms depending on the tense of the action.

• Give: Present tense; refers to something happening now or regularly.
• Gave: Past tense; refers to an action that occurred before.
• Given: Past participle; used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had” to connect past actions with the present or future.

Summary of Key Points:

• “Give” = Present
• “Gave” = Past
• “Given” = Past participle, used with auxiliary verbs

Understanding the Three Forms of “Give”

Goal: Dive deeper into the specific tenses and practical examples for each form.

Present Tense: “Give” Usage Explained

The present tense of “give” is used to describe actions that are happening now or regularly in the present or future.

• Example 1: I give gifts every year.
• Example 2: She gives me advice regularly.

Summary of Key Points:

• Simple present: Used for regular actions, facts, or habitual activities.

Past Tense: “Gave” Usage Explained

The past tense “gave” describes actions completed in the past.

• Example 1: I gave him a book last week.
• Example 2: She gave a speech yesterday.

Summary of Key Points:

• Simple past: Describes actions completed in the past.

Past Participle: “Given” Usage Explained

“Given” is the past participle of “give,” and is used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had” to connect past actions with the present or future.

• Example 1: I have given him the keys.
• Example 2: She had given her presentation before the meeting.

Summary of Key Points:

• Past participle: Used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses.

Practical Examples of “Give, Gave, Given” in Different Tenses

Present Tense Examples

• Example 1: I give my time to the community every Saturday.
• Example 2: She gives lectures on environmental issues.

Past Tense Examples

• Example 1: I gave her a call earlier today.
• Example 2: They gave a wonderful performance last night.

Past Participle Examples

• Example 1: I have given all my belongings to charity.
• Example 2: He had given his explanation before they asked further questions.

Practice Exercises: Test Your Knowledge

Fill in the Blanks

• I __________ (give) her the pen yesterday.
• She __________ (give) me a present every year.
• They __________ (give) their best performance yet.

Answer Key:

• gave
• gives
• have given

Multiple Choice: Choose the Correct Option

• I __________ a great gift yesterday.
  1. a) give
  2. b) gave
  3. c) given
• She __________ a wonderful story at the party.
  1. a) gave
  2. b) gives
  3. c) given
• They __________ their time to the cause for years.
  1. a) gave
  2. b) have given
  3. c) give

Answer Key:

• b) gave
• a) gave
• b) have given

Common Learner Mistakes and Corrections

1. Mistake: Using “Give” in the Past Tense

Incorrect: I give her a gift yesterday.

Corrected: I gave her a gift yesterday.

2. Mistake: Using “Given” Instead of “Gave” for Past Actions

Incorrect: She given a speech at the event.

Corrected: She gave a speech at the event.

3. Mistake: Confusing Present and Past Participle Forms

Incorrect: I have gave him the book.

Corrected: I have given him the book.

Relevant Synonyms and Vocabulary

• Provide
• Hand
• Offer
• Bestow
• Deliver
• Donate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I use “give” vs. “gave”?

A1: Use “give” for actions happening in the present or future, and “gave” for actions completed in the past.

Q2: What’s the difference between “given” and “gave”?

A2: “Given” is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs like “have” or “had,” while “gave” is the simple past tense.

Q3: Can I use “given” in a sentence without an auxiliary verb?

A3: No, “given” is usually paired with auxiliary verbs to indicate perfect tenses, such as “have” or “had.”

Sources  

Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/advise.

Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/advice.

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