When it comes to giving or granting something to someone, we often use these words interchangeably without realizing that they have different meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two words and when it is appropriate to use each one.
We should define the two words. Give means to freely transfer the possession of something to someone else, while grant means to provide or bestow something formally or legally. In other words, giving is more informal and can be done without any official process, whereas granting usually involves some sort of official process or legal documentation.
So, which one is the proper word to use? It depends on the context and the situation. If you are simply transferring something to someone without any formalities, then giving is the appropriate word to use. However, if there are legal or formal requirements involved, then granting would be the more suitable word.
Throughout this article, we will delve deeper into the nuances of these two words and provide examples of when to use each one. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the proper usage of give and grant.
Define Give
Give is a verb that refers to the act of voluntarily transferring something to someone without expecting anything in return. It can be a physical object, an intangible item such as love, or an action such as providing assistance. Giving is often associated with generosity, kindness, and selflessness.
For example, a person can give money to a charity, give flowers to a loved one, or give advice to a friend. Giving can also be used in the context of a gift, where the giver presents a present to the recipient as a token of appreciation or celebration.
There are different ways of giving, including anonymously, publicly, or in secret. Giving can also be done on a small or large scale, depending on the giver’s resources and intentions.
Define Grant
Grant is a verb that refers to the act of formally giving or bestowing something to someone. Unlike giving, granting often involves a formal process or agreement, and may require certain conditions to be met before the grant is made.
For example, a foundation can grant funds to a non-profit organization, a government agency can grant a permit to a business, or a university can grant a degree to a student. Granting can also involve the transfer of property or rights, such as a land grant or a copyright grant.
Granting is often associated with authority, power, and legitimacy. The grantor is typically seen as having the ability to confer something of value to the grantee, who is expected to use it for a specific purpose or benefit.
| Give | Grant |
|---|---|
| Voluntarily transferring something without expecting anything in return | Formally giving or bestowing something to someone, often involving a formal process or agreement |
| Associated with generosity, kindness, and selflessness | Associated with authority, power, and legitimacy |
| Can be done anonymously, publicly, or in secret | May require certain conditions to be met before the grant is made |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right word in a sentence can be crucial in conveying the intended meaning. In some cases, words might seem interchangeable, but using the wrong word can change the entire context of the sentence. In this section, we will explore how to properly use the words “give” and “grant” in a sentence.
How To Use “Give” In A Sentence
The word “give” is a common verb that means to transfer possession or control of something to someone else. It is often used in sentences to express an action of providing or donating something to someone or something. Here are some examples of how to use “give” in a sentence:
- She decided to give her old clothes to charity.
- Can you give me a hand with this heavy box?
- The teacher will give us a quiz tomorrow.
- He always gives generously to his favorite charity.
As you can see from the examples above, “give” is typically used to indicate an action of providing or donating something to someone or something.
How To Use “Grant” In A Sentence
The word “grant” is a verb that means to give or allow someone to have something. It is often used in sentences to express an action of providing or awarding something to someone or something. Here are some examples of how to use “grant” in a sentence:
- The government will grant financial aid to eligible students.
- The board of directors decided to grant the CEO a bonus.
- The scholarship committee will grant awards to the most deserving candidates.
- The judge will grant a restraining order to the victim.
As you can see from the examples above, “grant” is typically used to indicate an action of providing or awarding something to someone or something, often in a formal or official context.
More Examples Of Give & Grant Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the differences between “give” and “grant,” it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of both words used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Give” In A Sentence
- She decided to give her old clothes to charity instead of throwing them away.
- He gave his girlfriend a bouquet of flowers for her birthday.
- The teacher gave the students a pop quiz to test their knowledge.
- They gave a generous donation to the local animal shelter.
- He gave his dog a bone as a treat.
- The company decided to give its employees a bonus for their hard work.
- She gave her son a hug to comfort him after he fell down.
- He gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.
- The restaurant gave us a free dessert for our anniversary.
- She gave her friend a ride to the airport.
Examples Of Using “Grant” In A Sentence
- The scholarship committee decided to grant her the award.
- The city council granted permission for the new building to be constructed.
- The court granted the plaintiff’s request for a restraining order.
- The university granted him tenure after years of hard work.
- The government granted the company a tax break for its eco-friendly practices.
- The landlord granted the tenants an extension on their lease.
- The foundation granted the artist a fellowship to pursue her work.
- The board of directors granted the CEO’s request for a raise.
- The judge granted custody of the children to the mother.
- The committee granted the proposal after careful consideration.
These examples illustrate how “give” and “grant” are used in different contexts and with different connotations. While both words involve transferring something from one person to another, “grant” often implies a more formal or official process, while “give” can be used in a wider range of situations.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “give” and “grant,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Give” Instead Of “Grant”
One common mistake is using “give” instead of “grant” when referring to official actions or decisions. For example, saying “the government gave permission” instead of “the government granted permission” is incorrect. The word “grant” implies an official and formal decision, while “give” is more informal and casual.
Another example is using “give” instead of “grant” when referring to funding or financial aid. Saying “the organization gave me a scholarship” instead of “the organization granted me a scholarship” is incorrect. “Grant” is the appropriate word to use when referring to the awarding of funds or financial aid.
Using “Grant” Instead Of “Give”
On the other hand, some people make the mistake of using “grant” instead of “give” in situations where “give” is the more appropriate word. For example, saying “the teacher granted me an extension” instead of “the teacher gave me an extension” is incorrect. “Give” is the appropriate word to use when referring to a simple action or gift.
Additionally, using “grant” instead of “give” can come across as pompous or overly formal in casual situations. It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality and language for the situation at hand.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
- Take the time to understand the differences between “give” and “grant.”
- Consider the appropriate level of formality for the situation.
- When in doubt, consult a dictionary or style guide.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “give” and “grant” is not always straightforward. The context in which they are used can greatly influence which word is the better fit.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a closer look at some examples of contexts where the choice between “give” and “grant” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | Preferred Word |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Settings | The foundation decided to _______ the scholarship to the deserving student. | Grant |
| Informal Settings | I decided to _______ my old bike to my neighbor. | Give |
| Legal Documents | The court will _______ the motion for summary judgment. | Grant |
| Requests or Permission | Can you _______ me access to the file? | Grant |
| Gifts or Donations | The company will _______ $10,000 to the charity. | Give |
As you can see from these examples, the choice between “give” and “grant” depends on the context in which they are used. In formal settings, legal documents, and requests for permission, “grant” is often the preferred word. In informal settings, gifts, and donations, “give” is the more common choice.
It is important to consider the context and choose the appropriate word to convey the intended meaning and tone of the message.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “give” and “grant” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few situations where these rules may not hold:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, “grant” is often used to refer to the transfer of property rights, while “give” is used more broadly to refer to any transfer of ownership or possession. For example:
| Usage | Example |
|---|---|
| Grant | The landlord granted the tenant a lease on the property. |
| Give | The owner gave the car to his son as a gift. |
2. Idiomatic Expressions
There are several idiomatic expressions in English that use “give” or “grant” in a non-literal sense. In these cases, the choice of word is determined by the expression itself, rather than by any strict grammatical rule. For example:
- “Give someone a break” – to show someone mercy or leniency
- “Grant someone’s wish” – to fulfill someone’s desire
- “Give someone the benefit of the doubt” – to trust someone despite doubts or suspicions
3. Regional Differences
Finally, it’s worth noting that there may be regional differences in the use of “give” and “grant.” For example, in some parts of the world, “grant” is used more frequently in formal or academic writing, while “give” is used more in everyday speech. However, these differences are generally minor and should not cause confusion for most English speakers.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of give and grant is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you master the difference between these two words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (give or grant) to complete each sentence.
| 1. The foundation ________ money to the charity. | 2. Can you ________ me a hand with this project? |
| 3. The university ________ scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need. | 4. I ________ my sister a book for her birthday. |
| 5. The judge ________ the defendant’s request for a new trial. | 6. I always ________ my time and talents to help those in need. |
Answer Key: 1. granted, 2. give, 3. grants, 4. gave, 5. denied, 6. give
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using give and a sentence using grant to demonstrate your understanding of the difference between these two words.
- Give example: I will give my old clothes to the homeless shelter.
- Grant example: The city council granted permission for the new construction project.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word (give or grant) to complete each sentence.
- The CEO ________ a large bonus to all employees at the end of the year.
- The government ________ the company a tax break for investing in renewable energy.
- She always ________ her time and talents to help those in need.
- The scholarship committee ________ scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence.
- The judge ________ the defendant’s request for a new trial.
Answer Key: 1. gave, 2. granted, 3. gives, 4. grants, 5. denied
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “give” and “grant” lies in their usage and connotation. While both words refer to the act of providing something to someone, “grant” is typically used in more formal or legal contexts, while “give” is used in everyday conversation.
It is important to understand the nuances of language use, as it can greatly affect the tone and meaning of communication. By paying attention to word choice and context, individuals can better convey their intended message and avoid miscommunication.
Key Takeaways:
- “Give” and “grant” both refer to providing something to someone, but “grant” is typically used in more formal or legal contexts.
- Language use and word choice can greatly affect the tone and meaning of communication.
Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can improve one’s communication skills and enhance their ability to effectively convey their message.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.