Past Tense of “give”
The past simple of “give” is “gave” and the past participle is “given”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “give”
give – gave – given
hand something to someone
- Base form
- give/ɡɪv/
- Past simple
- gave/ɡeɪv/
- Past participle
- given/ˈɡɪvn/
- -ing form
- giving
- He / she / it
- gives
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
My friend gave me a book for my birthday.
Past participle
Have you given your answer to the teacher?
Passive
Each guest was given a small gift.
The most common mistake
Wrong
She has gave me her number.
Correct
She has given me her number.
After “has”, use “given”. “Gave” is only the past simple.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.