past form
Moved something into another person's hands or possession in the past.
She gave me a book.
I gave her a gift.
American English
How to pronounce gave
verbA1Very common word
GEYV
/geɪv/
One syllable.
Form of give
Gave is used for a completed past action. The past participle is given, used after have, has, or had.
Moved something into another person's hands or possession in the past.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
past form
Offered a particular amount of money for something in the past.
They gave us a fair price for the car.
The store gave us a discount.
past form
Provided something that helped, informed, or supported someone in the past.
She gave me some useful advice.
The guide gave us directions.
past form
Allowed someone to have or use something, or to do something, in the past.
She gave me a chance to explain.
They gave us permission to leave.
Useful expressions
to stop trying or stop doing something
He gave up smoking last year.
to return something to the person who had it
Please give my keys back.
to reveal information that was supposed to be secret
Her smile gave away the surprise.
Related words & forms
The past forms are gave and given. Drop the final e before -ing: giving, not giveing.