Taken or Given? Understanding Their Differences

English is a language full of words that can seem deceptively simple but can be tricky to use correctly in different contexts. Two such words, taken and given, are commonly encountered in both formal and informal communication. While they may seem straightforward, their meanings and usage can vary depending on the situation, and understanding the nuances can help you avoid confusion.

In this article, we will explore the meanings of taken and given, how they function as past participles, and when to use each word. We will also provide examples to clarify their usage and include practice questions with answers to help reinforce your understanding.

Definitions: Taken and Given

Taken:

Taken is the past participle of the verb take. It means to acquire something, to remove something from its place, or to accept something.

  • Verb: Take (to acquire, seize, or accept)
  • Past participle: Taken

Given:

Given is the past participle of the verb give. It means to provide, offer, or transfer something to someone else.

  • Verb: Give (to offer, transfer, or bestow)
  • Past participle: Given

Basic Differences Between Taken and Given

Although taken and given are both past participles, they represent opposite actions. Taken involves receiving or acquiring something, while given involves offering or transferring something. In simpler terms, taken is about what you receive, and given is about what you offer.

Key Difference:

  • Taken: Focuses on the receiver or the act of acquiring something.
  • Given: Focuses on the provider or the act of offering something.

Examples:

  • Taken: The opportunity was taken by the most qualified candidate.
  • Given: She has given her time to help the local charity.

In these examples, taken emphasizes the act of receiving or seizing an opportunity, while given emphasizes the act of offering help.

Taken: Definition and Usage

Definition of Taken:

Taken refers to the act of acquiring, seizing, or accepting something. It is often used to describe situations where something has been removed from its original location or accepted, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Examples of Taken:

  1. The book was taken from the library without permission.
  2. He had taken the last piece of cake before anyone else could get it.
  3. The photo was taken during their last family vacation.

In these examples, taken is used to describe actions where something has been acquired, removed, or accepted.

Common Contexts for Taken:

  • Possession or Ownership: Taken is used when something has been acquired, whether temporarily or permanently.
  • Example: The keys had been taken by mistake.
  • Actions or Opportunities: Taken can also refer to opportunities or actions that are seized or accepted.
  • Example: She had taken the chance to travel abroad when it was offered.
  • Absence or Removal: Taken can describe something that has been removed or is now absent.
  • Example: The painting was taken from the gallery during the night.

Common Phrases with Taken:

  • Taken for granted: To undervalue something or someone.
  • Example: She felt like her hard work was often taken for granted by her colleagues.
  • Taken aback: To be surprised or startled.
  • Example: I was taken aback by his sudden outburst.
  • Taken into account: To consider something when making a decision.
  • Example: All factors were taken into account before the final decision was made.

Given: Definition and Usage

Definition of Given:

Given refers to the act of providing, offering, or transferring something to someone else. It can also refer to something that is acknowledged or assumed to be true.

Examples of Given:

  1. She had given all of her savings to charity.
  2. The teacher has given the students extra homework for the weekend.
  3. Given the current circumstances, we had no choice but to postpone the event.

In these examples, given is used to describe actions where something is offered or transferred, as well as to express conditions or assumptions.

Common Contexts for Given:

  • Providing or Offering: Given is used when something is transferred or offered to someone else.
  • Example: He had given his old clothes to the homeless shelter.
  • Assumptions or Conditions: Given is also used to describe something that is assumed to be true or accepted as a fact.
  • Example: Given the weather forecast, we should reschedule the outdoor event.

Common Phrases with Given:

  • Given that: Used to introduce a fact or condition that is assumed to be true.
  • Example: Given that it’s raining, we should cancel the picnic.
  • Be given to: Used to describe someone’s tendency to do something.
  • Example: He is given to moments of deep reflection.
  • Given the chance: Used to describe an opportunity someone would take advantage of.
  • Example: Given the chance, she would move to a different city for the job.

Comparing Taken and Given

1. Action:

  • Taken: Emphasizes the act of receiving or acquiring something.
  • Example: The last cookie was taken by John.
  • Given: Emphasizes the act of offering or providing something.
  • Example: The teacher has given us extra time to complete the assignment.

2. Focus:

  • Taken: Focuses on the person or entity that is receiving or acquiring something.
  • Example: The promotion was taken by the most deserving employee.
  • Given: Focuses on the person or entity that is offering or transferring something.
  • Example: The award was given to the student with the highest grades.

3. Context:

  • Taken: Often used in contexts involving possession, opportunities, or removal.
  • Example: The seat was already taken by the time we arrived.
  • Given: Often used in contexts involving offering, transferring, or assuming something.
  • Example: He was given a chance to prove himself.

How to Remember the Difference

Here are a few tricks to help you remember the difference between taken and given:

  1. Taken = Receive:
    Remember that taken is about acquiring or receiving something. If someone has taken something, they now have it.
  2. Given = Offer:
    Given is about offering or providing something to someone else. If someone has given something, they no longer have it.
  3. Think of Opposites:
    Taken and given are essentially opposites. If you focus on whether the subject is acquiring something (taken) or offering something (given), it becomes easier to choose the correct word.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using Taken When You Mean Given

Since taken and given are opposites, it’s important not to confuse them. For example, if you’re talking about offering help, you should use given, not taken.

  • Incorrect: She had taken her time to help me with my project.
  • Correct: She had given her time to help me with my project.

2. Using Given When Referring to Receiving

If you’re talking about receiving something, make sure to use taken. Given refers to offering, not receiving.

  • Incorrect: The opportunity was given by him.
  • Correct: The opportunity was taken by him.

Examples in Sentences

Taken:

  1. The thief had taken the valuables from the safe.
  2. She had taken the best seat in the house before anyone else arrived.
  3. The photo was taken at sunset during their vacation.

Given:

  1. I have given my old books to the local library.
  2. Given the circumstances, we had no choice but to cancel the event.
  3. She had given her full attention to the speaker during the conference.

Practice Questions

Let’s test your understanding of taken versus given with some practice questions.

Question 1:

Which word fits best in the sentence?

  • The last spot in the competition was _ by Sarah.

a) taken
b) given

Answer:
a) The last spot in the competition was taken by Sarah.

Explanation: The sentence refers to Sarah receiving the last spot, so taken is correct.

Question 2:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

  • He has _ his old car to his nephew.

Answer:
He has given his old car to his nephew.

Explanation: The sentence describes offering something, so given is correct.

Question 3:

True or False:
Given can be used to describe receiving something.

Answer:
False.

Explanation: Given refers to offering or providing something, not receiving it.

Question 4:

Which sentence is correct?

  • a) The prize was taken to the winner.
  • b) The prize was given to the winner.

Answer:
b) The prize was given to the winner.

Explanation: The sentence describes offering a prize, so given is correct.

Question 5:

Fill in the blank with the correct word:

  • The opportunity to lead the project was _ by the most qualified candidate.

Answer:
The opportunity to lead the project was taken by the most qualified candidate.

Explanation: The candidate received the opportunity, so taken is correct.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between taken and given is essential for clear communication. Taken refers to acquiring or receiving something, while given refers to offering or providing something. By focusing on whether the subject is receiving or offering, you can easily choose the correct word in your writing.

When in doubt:

  • Use taken when someone acquires or receives something.
  • Use given when someone offers or provides something.

By practicing these distinctions, you will be able to use both words accurately and effectively in any context.

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