The English verb “give” is one of the most common and essential verbs you will encounter. Because it is irregular, mastering its past tense form is crucial for clear communication, storytelling, writing, and understanding English at all levels.
Knowing how to use the past tense of “give” helps you describe completed actions, narrate experiences, and accurately comprehend spoken and written English. Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced learner, an ESL student, or a teacher, this comprehensive guide will deepen your understanding of the past forms of “give.”
This article covers everything you need: definitions, grammatical forms, usage rules, dozens of examples, common mistakes, advanced nuances, practice exercises with answers, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and master this key irregular verb!
Table of Contents
- 3. Definition Section
- 4. Structural Breakdown
- 5. Types or Categories
- 6. Examples Section
- 7. Usage Rules
- 8. Common Mistakes
- 9. Practice Exercises
- 10. Advanced Topics
- 11. FAQ Section
- 12. Conclusion
3. Definition Section
3.1 What Does “Past Tense of ‘Give’” Mean?
In English grammar, the past tense describes an action that was completed at a specific point in the past.
“Give” is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense doesn’t follow the usual “-ed” pattern. The past tense of “give” is:
give → gave
Example:
Today I give a gift. → Yesterday I gave a gift.
3.2 Grammatical Classification
- Part of speech: Verb
- Verb type: Irregular, Transitive (requires an object)
- Tense: Simple Past Tense (finite verb indicating completed action)
3.3 Function of the Past Tense of “Give”
“Gave” shows that the action of giving happened and was completed in the past. It’s used to:
- Tell stories or narrate events
- Report past actions
- Describe completed transactions or exchanges
3.4 Usage Contexts
- Storytelling and narration: She gave him a ring on their anniversary.
- Reporting facts/events: The teacher gave a surprise test last week.
- Discussing past experiences: I gave my first speech in college.
- Historical/biographical writing: He gave many speeches during his presidency.
- Formal and informal contexts: Used universally across registers
4. Structural Breakdown
4.1 Irregular Verb Pattern of “Give”
Unlike regular verbs, “give” does not add “-ed” in the past. Instead, it follows this irregular pattern:
| Present (Base form) | Past (Simple Past) | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| give | gave | given |
Table 1: Three Principal Parts of “Give”
4.2 Forming the Simple Past Tense
To make the past tense:
- Change give → gave
- No auxiliary verb needed in affirmative statements
Examples:
- I gave her a book.
- They gave us directions.
- He gave a fantastic performance.
4.3 Forming Negatives in the Past Tense
For negatives, use:
Subject + did not (didn’t) + base form (give) + object
Never: ✗ didn’t gave
Examples:
- I didn’t give him the keys.
- She did not give a reason.
- They didn’t give us enough time.
4.4 Forming Questions in the Past Tense
Use:
Did + subject + base form (give) + object?
Examples:
- Did you give him the letter?
- Did they give permission?
- Did she give you a call?
4.5 Short Answers and Tag Questions
- Positive: Yes, I did.
- Negative: No, I didn’t.
- Tag Questions:
- You gave her the gift, didn’t you?
- He didn’t give the report, did he?
4.6 Summary Table: Affirmative, Negative, and Question Forms
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + gave + object | Lisa gave me advice. |
| Negative | Subject + did not / didn’t + give + object | Lisa didn’t give me advice. |
| Question | Did + subject + give + object? | Did Lisa give you advice? |
Table 2: Sentence Structures Using Past Tense of “Give”
4.7 “Give” as a Main Verb vs. Auxiliary Use
Unlike verbs such as “have” or “be,” “give” is never an auxiliary verb. It always functions as a main verb, although it appears in phrasal verbs and idioms, which we will cover later.
5. Types or Categories
5.1 Simple Past Tense
Describes a completed action at a specific time in the past.
Example: She gave him a birthday card.
5.2 Past Progressive (Past Continuous)
Describes an action in progress at a certain moment in the past.
Structure: was/were + giving
Example: They were giving a presentation when the power went out.
5.3 Past Perfect
Shows an action that was completed before another past action.
Structure: had + given
Example: I had given him the document before the meeting started.
5.4 Past Perfect Progressive
Shows a continuous action that lasted until a certain point in the past.
Structure: had been + giving
Example: She had been giving him advice all week.
5.5 Summary Table of Past Forms of “Give”
| Past Form | Structure | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Past | gave | Completed past action | He gave a speech yesterday. |
| Past Progressive | was/were giving | Ongoing action in the past | They were giving out flyers all morning. |
| Past Perfect | had given | Action before another past action | I had given her the gift before dinner. |
| Past Perfect Progressive | had been giving | Continuous action up to a point in the past | She had been giving lessons for years. |
Table 3: Different Past Tense Forms and Their Examples
5.6 Active vs. Passive Voice in Past Tense
Active voice focuses on who performed the action, passive on what received it.
| Voice | Example |
|---|---|
| Active | She gave the instructions. |
| Passive | The instructions were given by her. |
| Active (Past Perfect) | They had given the report before noon. |
| Passive (Past Perfect) | The report had been given before noon. |
Table 4: Active and Passive Past Tense Sentences
5.7 Formal vs. Informal Usage
All past forms of “give” are used in both formal and informal contexts. However, formal writing (e.g., academic or legal) may prefer:
- More precise tenses (e.g., past perfect for sequence clarity: He had given notice before resigning.)
- Passive voice for object focus: The contract was given to the client.
6. Examples Section
6.1 Basic Past Simple Examples
- Tom gave me a call yesterday.
- She gave her son a new bike.
- The teacher gave us homework.
- My boss gave me some advice.
- He gave a wonderful performance.
- They gave the police a statement.
- We gave them directions to the hotel.
- Lisa gave the children some candy.
- Our neighbors gave us fresh vegetables.
- I gave my brother a birthday card.
- The company gave employees a bonus.
- She gave a sigh of relief.
6.2 Negative Past Simple Examples
- They didn’t give us any notice.
- I did not give him permission.
- She didn’t give a clear answer.
- We didn’t give up hope.
- He didn’t give his reasons.
- The doctor didn’t give me any medicine.
6.3 Questions in the Past
- Did you give her the message?
- Did they give you the documents?
- Did your parents give you advice?
- Did she give a presentation?
- Did the teacher give extra homework?
6.4 Past Progressive Examples
- I was giving a speech when the phone rang.
- They were giving out free samples all day.
- She was giving her friend a ride when it started raining.
- We were giving a tour of the campus at noon.
- He was giving instructions when the accident happened.
6.5 Past Perfect Examples
- We had given up hope before the rescue team arrived.
- She had given her answer before the question was repeated.
- By 2010, they had given millions in donations.
- I had given my notice before I found a new job.
- He had given the presentation before lunch.
6.6 Passive Voice Examples
- The award was given to the best student.
- Permission was given by the manager.
- The keys were given back yesterday.
- The information was given to the police.
- The warning was given before the storm hit.
6.7 Idiomatic Expressions with Past Forms of “Give”
- She gave up smoking last year.
- They gave in after hours of negotiation.
- He gave away all his old clothes.
- The batteries gave out during the trip.
- I gave back the book I borrowed.
- We gave off a sigh of relief.
6.8 Contrasting Examples: Present vs. Past
| Present Tense | Past Tense |
|---|---|
| He gives advice every day. | He gave advice yesterday. |
| They give free samples on weekends. | They gave free samples last weekend. |
| She gives her time generously. | She gave her time generously during the event. |
| I usually give my opinion. | I gave my opinion during the meeting. |
| We give tours daily. | We gave tours yesterday. |
Table 5: Present vs. Past Tense of “Give”
6.9 Additional Contextualized Examples
Mini dialogues and paragraphs with various past forms:
- A: Did you give Maria the invitation?
B: Yes, I gave it to her yesterday. - I had given my keys to Tom before I left.
- While I was giving my speech, the lights went out.
- She gave me helpful feedback on my essay.
- They didn’t give us enough information to decide.
- The trophy was given to the winning team.
- We were giving out flyers when it started to rain.
- He had been giving piano lessons for five years before moving.
- After hours of arguing, she finally gave in.
- Last year, our company gave thousands to charity.
- Everyone was surprised when he gave away the secret.
- I wish I had given more thought to my decision.
7. Usage Rules
7.1 When to Use “Gave”
Use “gave” to describe:
- Completed actions in the past
- Specific, known times (yesterday, last week, in 2010)
Example: They gave us the results last Friday.
7.2 Time Expressions Commonly Used
- Yesterday: She gave me the note yesterday.
- Last year: We gave a big party last year.
- Three days ago: He gave his resignation three days ago.
- When I was a child: My grandma gave me stories when I was a child.
- In 2005: The company gave bonuses in 2005.
- Earlier: I gave her a call earlier.
- Once: He gave a famous concert once in Paris.
7.3 Past Tense vs. Present Perfect
Use simple past (“gave”) for actions at a definite past time.
Use present perfect (“have given”) for actions at an unspecified time or with relevance to the present.
| Form | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Past (gave) | Specific time in the past | I gave her the book last week. |
| Present Perfect (have given) | Unspecified time or relevance now | I have given her the book (at some point, time not important). |
Table 6: Comparison of Past Simple and Present Perfect
7.4 Using “Did Not Give” Correctly
- Always use base form “give” after “did not” or “didn’t.”
- Incorrect: ✗ They didn’t gave the answer.
- Correct: ✓ They didn’t give the answer.
7.5 Question Formation Rules
- Use “Did” + subject + base form “give”
- Do not use: ✗ Did you gave?
- Example: Did she give you the message?
7.6 Passive Voice Formation in Past
- Use was/were + past participle “given”
- Example: The instructions were given clearly.
- Use passive when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or to focus on the receiver.
7.7 Verbs Often Collocated with “Give”
Common objects with “give” include:
- Give advice: She gave me good advice.
- Give a speech: He gave a speech last night.
- Give a gift: They gave us a lovely gift.
- Give permission: The manager gave permission yesterday.
- Give help: Volunteers gave help during the crisis.
7.8 Special Cases and Exceptions
- Reported speech: “I give” → He said he gave
- Conditionals: If I gave you the answer, would you believe me?
- Subjunctive/hypotheticals: I wish I gave more time (better: had given)
8. Common Mistakes
8.1 Incorrect Verb Forms
- ✗ She gived me the book.
- ✓ She gave me the book.
8.2 Misuse of “Did” with Past Form
- ✗ She didn’t gave the answer.
- ✓ She didn’t give the answer.
8.3 Confusing Present Perfect and Past Simple
- ✗ I have gave her the ticket.
- ✓ I have given her the ticket.
8.4 Tense Agreement Errors
- ✗ Yesterday, I give him the letter.
- ✓ Yesterday, I gave him the letter.
8.5 Overusing Passive Voice or Incorrect Passive
- ✗ The gift gave by me.
- ✓ The gift was given by me.
8.6 Examples Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Sentences
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| She gived me a pen. | She gave me a pen. |
| They didn’t gave the answer. | They didn’t give the answer. |
| I have gave you the report. | I have given you the report. |
| Did you gave her the gift? | Did you give her the gift? |
| The award gave by the principal. | The award was given by the principal. |
Table 7: Correcting Common Errors with “Give”
9. Practice Exercises
9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
- Yesterday, she ____ (give) me a flower.
Answer: gave - They ____ (not give) us the details.
Answer: did not give / didn’t give - The books ____ (give) to the children last week.
Answer: were given - He ____ (give) a fantastic speech last night.
Answer: gave - We ____ (not give) up hope.
Answer: did not give / didn’t give - ____ you ____ (give) her the message?
Answer: Did you give - The instructions ____ (give) clearly.
Answer: were given - I ____ (give) her a call this morning.
Answer: gave - They ____ (not give) us permission.
Answer: did not give / didn’t give - The keys ____ (give) back yesterday.
Answer: were given
9.2 Error Correction Exercises
Identify and correct the errors:
- She gived me the wrong directions.
Correct: She gave me the wrong directions. - They didn’t gave the receipt.
Correct: They didn’t give the receipt. - I have gave him the money.
Correct: I have given him the money. - Did you gave her the documents?
Correct: Did you give her the documents? - The award gave by the mayor.
Correct: The award was given by the mayor. - We was giving a party last weekend.
Correct: We were giving a party last weekend. - He had gave me a call before leaving.
Correct: He had given me a call before leaving. - She didn’t gives any explanation.
Correct: She didn’t give any explanation. - I wish I gave more help yesterday.
Correct: I wish I had given more help yesterday. - They was gave instructions before the event.
Correct: They were given instructions before the event. (or) They had been given instructions before the event.
9.3 Identify the Tense
Identify if the sentence uses simple past, past perfect, or past progressive.
- She gave a speech yesterday.
Answer: Simple past - They were giving out samples.
Answer: Past progressive - I had given the book before class.
Answer: Past perfect - He was giving instructions all morning.
Answer: Past progressive - We had given up hope.
Answer: Past perfect - They gave us directions.
Answer: Simple past - I was giving her advice.
Answer: Past progressive - She had given her answer before the meeting.
Answer: Past perfect - He gave me a gift.
Answer: Simple past - We were giving a presentation when it started to rain.
Answer: Past progressive
9.4 Sentence Construction
Create sentences using prompts:
- he / give / last night
Answer: He gave a speech last night. - they / not give / details / yesterday
Answer: They didn’t give details yesterday. - she / give / advice / when I asked
Answer: She gave advice when I asked. - you / give / the book / two days ago
Answer: You gave the book two days ago. - we / give / permission / last week
Answer: We gave permission last week. - did / he / give / the keys
Answer: Did he give the keys? - the gift / give / by parents
Answer: The gift was given by parents. - I / not give / up hope / yet (past)
Answer: I didn’t give up hope. - she / give / her phone number / earlier
Answer: She gave her phone number earlier. - they / give / a party / last month
Answer: They gave a party last month.
9.5 Transformation Practice
Change from present tense to past tense:
- She gives me advice.
Answer: She gave me advice. - I give him the keys every day.
Answer: I gave him the keys yesterday. - They give free tickets.
Answer: They gave free tickets. - He gives a speech every month.
Answer: He gave a speech last month. - We give money to charity.
Answer: We gave money to charity. - Do you give her gifts?
Answer: Did you give her gifts? - She doesn’t give details.
Answer: She didn’t give details. - I give up easily.
Answer: I gave up easily. - They always give compliments.
Answer: They always gave compliments. - He gives the wrong directions.
Answer: He gave the wrong directions.
10. Advanced Topics
10.1 Reported Speech with “Give”
- Direct: She said, “I gave him a gift.”
- Indirect: She said she had given him a gift.
- Note the shift from simple past to past perfect in reported speech.
10.2 Conditional Sentences
- Second conditional (hypothetical present/future): If I gave you all the answers, you wouldn’t learn.
- Third conditional (hypothetical past): If I had given you the answers, you would have passed.
10.3 Subjunctive and Hypothetical Uses
- Wishes/regrets: I wish I had given more effort. (Correct, past regret)
- Sometimes informal: I wish I gave more effort (less formal, less precise)
10.4 Idiomatic and Phrasal Verbs with Past Forms
- Gave up: quit or stopped
She gave up her job. - Gave in: surrendered
They gave in after a long fight. - Gave away: donated or revealed
He gave away all his clothes. - Gave out: distributed or stopped working
The batteries gave out during the trip. - Gave back: returned
I gave back the money I borrowed.
10.5 Nuances in Literary and Formal Contexts
- Narrative choice: Mix of simple past and past perfect to clarify timing
- Example: Before they left, they had given the keys to their neighbor.
- Past perfect adds clarity and sequence in complex narratives.
10.6 Variations in Dialects and Register
- Colloquially, speakers sometimes use “gave” for hypotheticals: If you gave me a chance…
- Some dialects may omit auxiliary verbs or use different tense forms informally, but standard English uses the forms described above.
11. FAQ Section
- What is the past tense of “give”?
Answer: The simple past tense of “give” is gave. - Why is it “gave” and not “gived”?
Answer: “Give” is an irregular verb; its past tense doesn’t follow the regular “-ed” rule. Instead, it changes to “gave.” - How do you form negatives with the past tense of “give”?
Answer: Use did not (didn’t) + base form “give”. For example: “She didn’t give an answer.” - Can “gave” be used in the present perfect tense?
Answer: No. The present perfect uses the past participle “given”, not “gave.” For example: “I have given her the gift.” - What is the difference between “gave” and “have given”?
Answer: “Gave” is simple past (specific time, completed); “have given” is present perfect (unspecified time or relevance now). - How do you make questions with the past tense of “give”?
Answer: Use Did + subject + base form “give”. Example: “Did he give you the report?” - Is “gave” ever used with auxiliary verbs?
Answer: Not directly. Use “did” for questions/negatives, but the main verb remains the base form “give.” - What is the past participle of “give”?
Answer: The past participle is given. - How do you use “give” in passive voice in past tense?
Answer: Use was/were + given. Example: “The award was given yesterday.” - Are there idioms that use the past tense of “give”?
Answer: Yes, such as “gave up,” “gave in,” “gave away,” and others, all with specific meanings. - What are common mistakes learners make with “gave”?
Answer: Using “gived,” saying “didn’t gave,” confusing “gave”/“given,” or incorrect passive forms. - Can I say “did gave”? Why or why not?
Answer: No. After “did,” always use the base form: “give.” So, “did give,” not “did gave.”
12. Conclusion
To communicate clearly and accurately, it’s essential to master the past tense of irregular verbs like “give.” Remember:
- “Gave” is the simple past form of “give.”
- Use “gave” in affirmative sentences without auxiliaries.
- Use “did not give” for negatives and “Did … give?” for questions.
- Never say “gived” or “did gave.”
- Apply the right past form in continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous tenses.
- Understand passive forms and idiomatic uses.
Practice with the exercises and review the examples to build confidence. Mastery of “give” in the past tense will greatly improve your fluency, accuracy, and understanding of English.
Keep this guide as a reference, and continue exploring more advanced grammar topics to enhance your language skills!