Were you GIVING or GIVEN?

English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

WERE YOU GIVING OR GIVEN?

Giving is the present continuous form of the verb “give” and it talks about an ongoing action:
He was giving cash prizes (this means he was the one offering the prizes).

Given is the past participle of the verb “give” and it talks about a completed action:
He was given cash prizes (this means he was the one being offered cash prizes).

Now, put yourself to the test

1. __ the outcome of the test, he may have to get some drugs (giving, given).
2. _ every now and then does not make you broke (giving, given).
3. You could not have been __ so generously without expecting something in return (giving, given).
4. I may not be around tomorrow __ that I have a lecture to deliver somewhere (giving, given).
   GAB