Given vs. Taken: Difference and Comparison
By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 22, 2023
"Given" is often used as the past participle of "give," implying a gift or provision, while "taken" is the past participle of "take," indicating something has been accepted or received.
Difference Between Given and Taken
"Given" and "taken" are two verbs that play a vital role in English, both possessing unique functionalities despite their close association with acts of transferring or accepting items. Their individual nuances and applications are critical for clear communication.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
"Given" primarily acts as the past participle of the verb "give." When someone provides or offers something, "given" describes that past act. It's a word that inherently has a sense of provision or generosity associated with it. For instance, if someone donates to charity, they have "given" money. On a more abstract note, if someone offers advice, information, or a certain perspective, they have "given" their opinion.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Conversely, "taken" is the past participle of the verb "take." It's about receiving, accepting, or obtaining something. It leans more toward the act of possession or acquisition. For example, if someone picks up a book from a shelf, they have "taken" it. In broader scenarios, if someone adopts a particular stance or viewpoint, they have "taken" that position.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
The relationship between "given" and "taken" can be viewed as two sides of a coin – one offers, and the other receives. While "given" revolves around provision, "taken" orbits acceptance. Recognizing their individual roles is pivotal for their accurate utilization in language.
Nolan
Dec 22, 2023
Given vs. Taken Comparison Chart
Action
Denotes the act of providing or offering.
Indicates the act of receiving or accepting.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Grammatical Use
Often used as an adjective or verb.
Primarily used as a verb.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Contextual Sense
Implies generosity or provision.
Suggests acceptance or acquisition.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Given vs. Taken Definitions
◉Given
Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed
Given the condition of the engine, it is a wonder that it even starts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Taken
Infatuated; fond of or attracted to.
He was very taken with the girl, I hear.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Taken
(informal) In a serious romantic relationship.
I can't ask him out, she's taken.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
Something assumed or taken for granted
"It's a given that the writer of short stories will be keeping his day job" (Donald E. Westlake).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Taken
understood in a certain way; made sense of;
a word taken literally
a smile taken as consent
an open door interpreted as an invitation
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Taken
be affected with an indisposition;
the child was taken ill
couldn't tell when he would be taken drunk
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
A condition that is assumed to be true without further evaluation.
When evaluating this math problem, don't forget to read the givens.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
specified in advance;
a given number
we will meet at a given time and location
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
acknowledged as a supposition;
given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Given
(usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward;
he is apt to ignore matters he considers unimportant
I am not minded to answer any questions
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Given vs. Taken Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of "given"?
"Given" primarily denotes the act of providing or offering.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Can "given" be used in conditional sentences?
Yes, "given" can introduce a condition, e.g., "Given it rains, we'll cancel."
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Is "taken" always about physical objects?
No, "taken" can refer to ideas, beliefs, or positions adopted.
Leo
Dec 22, 2023
How is "taken" used in the context of relationships?
"Taken" can imply someone is already in a romantic relationship.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
What's the opposite of "taken" in a relationship context?
The opposite would be "single" or "available."
Olivia
Dec 22, 2023
Can "given" be synonymous with "considering"?
Yes, as in "Given the situation, we'll adjust."
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
How does "given up" differ from "taken up"?
"Given up" means to quit or surrender, while "taken up" means to start or adopt.
Levi
Dec 22, 2023
How does "taken aback" function in a sentence?
It means being surprised or shocked.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 22, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
