‘Give' or ‘Gave': What's the Difference?

Do you need to know the difference between 'give' or 'gave?' If so, you came to the right place.

Before we get started, here is a quick answer, in case you can't stick around for long. 

• 'Give' is the present tense form of the verb that means to bestow or gift something.
• 'Gave' is the past tense form of the verb give.  

The above answer will help if you are trying to determine which option to use in a specific text. However, there is much more to learn.

So, stick around!

What is the Difference Between 'Give' or Gave?'

'Give' and 'gave' are two forms of the same word. 'Give' is a verb that means to grant or bestow.

'Gave' is the past tense form of the verb 'give.' In the verb tense, they both mean the same thing, but you use 'give' for present tense, and 'gave' when you are speaking about an action that occurred in the past.

'Give' can also be a noun that means stretch or bend in something. 'Gave' is only a verb.

Definition of 'Give': What Does 'Give' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'give' as a verb that means:

• To make a present of something
• To bestow or grant formal action
• To transfer goods or assets for the benefit or use of another
• To give or yield to another
• To administer a sacrament or medication
• To give or entrust a responsibility for a specific reason
• To transfer from one's custody to another's
• To produce or yield a product
• To bear or bring forth
• To offer for acceptance or consideration
• To apply completely or freely
• To cause another to receive or have something
• To undergo change
• To submit to change

'Give' can also be used as a noun that means:

• Flexibility or the amount of force or strain something can withstand
• The ability of a fabric to stretch, bend, or conform

Synonyms of 'Give'

• Donate
• Offer
• Furnish
• Contribute
• Volunteer
• Furnish
• Render
• Bestow
• Give away
• Provide

Definition of 'Gave': What Does 'Gave' Mean?

The same source defines 'gave' as:

• The past tense of give

Synonyms of 'Gave'

• Volunteered
• Offered
• Gifted
• Provided
• Issued
• Conferred
• Benefited
• Paid
• Assisted
• Dispensed
• Endowed
• Imparted
• Proferred
• Helped
• Sacrificed
• Extended
• Provided
• Lavished
• Administered
• Indued

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Give' or 'Gave'

These terms are commonly used in English. So, if you are learning English as a second language, you will want to know how to pronounce them correctly.

One of the most important aspects of learning any new language is pronunciation. If you cannot say terms correctly, people will not understand you.

So, here is a pronunciation guide for 'give' and 'gave.'

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'give':

giv

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'gave':

gāv

Tips: When and How to Use 'Give' vs. 'Gave'

Learning definitions and knowing how to use terms are different. So, here are some tips to help you determine when and how to use 'give' vs. 'gave.'

•  Use 'give' when asking someone to bestow something on someone.

For example, you could say:

Will you give Paul the ball? 

• Use 'give' when asking if someone is actively contributing something.

As an example, I might say:

Do you give tithing at church each week?

• Use 'gave' if you are speaking about someone giving something in the past.

For example, you can say:

Julie gave her opinion on our market research, and offered tips to help us reach new customers. 

• Use 'gave' when referring to something you've already bestowed on someone.

So, you could say:

I just gave you money on Tuesday. Did you already spend it? 

Sample Sentences Using 'Give' or 'Gave'

Now that you know the meaning and how to use 'give' and 'gave,' read these sample sentences using each word. They will help you remember the correct way to use each.

Give

• If you give me one more assignment, I am going to scream.
• You feel good about yourself when you give your all.
• If you give me your phone number, I will text you a link to the application.
• The holidays are a nice time to give thoughtful gifts to the people you love and appreciate.
• Give me that check, please. I need to deposit it.
• Practice your speech in the mirror before you give it in front of a crowd.

Gave

• You should feel good about your effort if you gave your all.
• I gave you my address, but you never wrote to me.
• I gave Robert your phone number, so he can call you about the assignment he missed last week. I hope you don't mind.
• Josie gave Jose a piece of her mind after he stood her up for their first date.
• We gave an anonymous donation to the charity because we believed in their work.

Give/Gave

• I gave everything I could, and eventually, I had nothing left to give.
• She gave her best performance of the season, but it was not enough to give her the win.
• Please give me your email address, so I can send you the list I gave to Suzie.

Final Advice On the Difference Between 'Give and 'Gave'

Thank. you for reading this entire guide. Before you go, here is a recap of what you learned about how to use 'give' or 'gave':

• 'Give' is a noun that means the amount of stretch something has. 
• 'Give' is a verb that means to bestow something upon someone. 
• 'Gave' is the past tense form of give. 

Remembering the meanings of these terms may be challenging if you are new to the English language. However, if you find yourself questioning which form of the verb to use, you can return to this lesson for a quick review.

You can also learn about hundreds of other similar terms in the confusing words section here. Each guide contains definitions, pronunciations, examples, and grammar tips.

So, they are an excellent tool for verifying the correct usage of terms and improving your vocabulary and writing skills.