Ask vs. Give — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
Asking involves requesting information, help, or items, often implying a need or desire; giving refers to freely transferring something one owns to another, showing generosity or obligation.
Difference Between Ask and Give
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Asking is the act of requesting something from someone else, which could be information, help, or a specific item. This indicates a need or desire for assistance or information. Whereas, giving involves transferring something you own to someone else without expecting it back, often driven by generosity, obligation, or care.
When someone asks, they initiate a communication that requires a response, indicating reliance on another's knowledge, resources, or capacities. On the other hand, giving is a unilateral action that does not necessarily require a prior request and reflects the giver's intent to benefit someone else.
The context in which asking is used often involves seeking permission or clarification, which depends on the approval or information from others. In contrast, giving is typically an act of kindness or duty, where the giver has autonomy over what and when to give.
Asking can be a more passive form of interaction because it places the onus on another party to provide, respond, or approve. Conversely, giving is an active form of interaction that involves a deliberate choice to relinquish control over something, impacting another's situation directly.
Both asking and giving are fundamental social interactions but serve different relational functions: asking opens a dialogue based on need or curiosity, while giving closes a need gap or expresses personal feelings.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Requesting something from others
Freely transferring something to others
Implication
Need, desire
Generosity, obligation
Dependency
Dependent on another’s response
Independent of recipient’s actions
Typical Context
Information, help, permission
Gifts, charity, help
Nature of Action
Reactive, initiating interaction
Proactive, concluding interaction
Compare with Definitions
Ask
To request information or guidance.
She asked for directions to the nearest gas station.
Give
To transfer ownership of something.
They gave their old books to the library.
Ask
To inquire about something specific.
Asking about the weather, she called her mom.
Give
To present something as a gift.
She enjoyed giving handmade cards on special occasions.
Ask
To pose a question.
During the meeting, he asked about the project's deadline.
Give
To offer something without expecting return.
Giving advice to young entrepreneurs is her passion.
Ask
To seek help or support.
He asked his friend to help him move.
Give
To provide support or help freely.
He gave his time to tutor students after school.
Ask
To put a question to
When we realized that we didn't know the answer, we asked the teacher.
Give
To impart, provide, or supply.
The seminar gave insights into effective business strategies.
Ask
To seek an answer to
Ask a question.
Give
Freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone)
He gave the papers back
The cheque given to the jeweller proved worthless
She gave him presents and clothes
Ask
To seek information about
Asked directions.
Give
Cause or allow (someone or something) to have or experience (something); provide with
You gave me such a fright
This leaflet gives our opening times
Ask
To make a request of
Asked me for a loan.
Give
Carry out or perform (a specified action)
He gave the counter a polish
I gave a bow
Ask
To make a request for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Ask a favor of a friend.
Asked to go along on the trip.
Asked that he be allowed to stay out late.
Give
Yield as a product or result
Milk is sometimes added to give a richer cheese
Ask
To require or call for as a price or condition
Asked ten dollars for the book.
Give
Concede (something) as valid or deserved in respect of (someone)
Give him his due
Ask
To expect or demand
Ask too much of a child.
Give
State or put forward (information or argument)
He did not give his name
Ask
To invite
Asked them to dinner.
Give
Alter in shape under pressure rather than resist or break
That chair doesn't give
Ask
(Archaic)To publish, as marriage banns.
Give
Capacity to bend or alter in shape under pressure
Plastic pots that have enough give to accommodate the vigorous roots
Ask
To make inquiry; seek information.
Give
To make a present of
We gave her flowers for her birthday.
Ask
To make a request
Asked for help.
Give
To place in the hands of; pass
Give me the scissors.
Ask
The act of making a request
“He was contacted by the mayor's fund-raiser ... a day after the mayor made the ask” (Jennifer Fermino).
Give
To deliver in exchange or recompense; pay
Gave five dollars for the book.
Ask
Something that is requested
“Being funny on demand is a big ask” (Anne Curzan).
Give
To let go for a price; sell
Gave the used car away for two thousand dollars.
Ask
To request (information, or an answer to a question).
I asked her age.
I asked her (for) her age.
Give
To administer
Give him some cough medicine.
Ask
To put forward (a question) to be answered.
To ask a question
Give
To convey by a physical action
Gave me a punch in the nose.
Ask
To interrogate or enquire of (a person).
I'm going to ask this lady for directions.
Give
To inflict as punishment
Was given life imprisonment for the crime.
Ask
To request or petition; usually with for.
To ask for a second helping at dinner
To ask for help with homework
Emma asked Jim to close his eyes.
Give
To bestow, especially officially; confer
The Bill of Rights gives us freedom of speech.
Ask
To request permission to do something.
She asked to see the doctor.
Did you ask to use the car?
Give
To accord or tender to another
Give him your confidence.
Ask
To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity.
What price are you asking for the house?
Give
To put temporarily at the disposal of
Gave them the cottage for a week.
Ask
To invite.
Don't ask them to the wedding.
Give
To entrust to another, usually for a specified reason
Gave me the keys for safekeeping.
Ask
To publish in church for marriage; said of both the banns and the persons.
Give
To communicate, convey, or offer for conveyance
Give him my best wishes. Give us the latest news.
Ask
(figuratively) To take (a person's situation) as an example.
Give
To endure the loss of; sacrifice
Gave her son to the war.
Gave her life for her country.
Ask
An act or instance of asking.
Give
To devote or apply completely
Gives herself to her work.
Ask
Something asked or asked for.
I know this is a big ask, but …
Give
To furnish or contribute
Gave their time to help others.
Ask
An asking price.
Give
To offer in good faith; pledge
Give me your word.
Ask
(Internet) A message sent to a blog on social networking platform Tumblr, which can be publicly posted and replied to by the recipient.
Give
To allot as a portion or share.
Ask
An eft; newt.
Give
To bestow (a name, for example).
Ask
A lizard.
Give
To attribute (blame, for example) to someone; assign.
Ask
To request; to seek to obtain by words; to petition; to solicit; - often with of, in the sense of from, before the person addressed.
Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Give
To award as due
Gave us first prize.
Ask
To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity; as, what price do you ask?
Ask me never so much dowry.
To whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
An exigence of state asks a much longer time to conduct a design to maturity.
Give
To emit or utter
Gave a groan.
Gave a muted response.
Ask
To interrogate or inquire of or concerning; to put a question to or about; to question.
He is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
He asked the way to Chester.
Give
To submit for consideration, acceptance, or use
Give an opinion.
Give an excuse.
Ask
To invite; as, to ask one to an entertainment.
Give
To proffer to another
Gave the toddler my hand.
Ask
To publish in church for marriage; - said of both the banns and the persons.
Give
To perform for an audience
Give a recital.
Ask
To request or petition; - usually followed by for; as, to ask for bread.
Ask, and it shall be given you.
Give
To present to view
Gave the sign to begin.
Ask
To make inquiry, or seek by request; - sometimes followed by after.
Wherefore . . . dost ask after my name?
Give
To offer as entertainment
Give a dinner party.
Ask
A water newt.
Give
To propose as a toast.
Ask
Inquire about;
I asked about their special today
He had to ask directions several times
Give
To be a source of; afford
His remark gave offense. Music gives her pleasure.
Ask
Make a request or demand for something to somebody;
She asked him for a loan
Give
To cause to catch or be subject to (a disease or bodily condition)
The draft gave me a cold.
Ask
Direct or put; seek an answer to;
Ask a question
Give
To guide or direct, as by persuasion or behavior. Used with an infinitive phrase
You gave me to imagine you approved of my report.
Ask
Consider obligatory; request and expect;
We require our secretary to be on time
Aren't we asking too much of these children?
I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons
Give
To yield or produce
Cows give milk.
Ask
Require or ask for as a price or condition;
He is asking $200 for the table
The kidnapers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage
Give
To bring forth or bear
Trees that give fruit.
Ask
Address a question to and expect an answer from;
Ask your teacher about trigonometry
The children asked me about their dead grandmother
Give
To produce as a result of calculation
5 × 12 gives 60.
Ask
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Give
To manifest or show
Gives promise of brilliance.
Gave evidence of tampering.
Give
To carry out (a physical movement)
Give a wink.
Give a start.
Give
To permit one to have or take
Gave us an hour to finish.
Give
To take an interest to the extent of
"My dear, I don't give a damn" (Margaret Mitchell).
Give
To make gifts or donations
Gives generously to charity.
Give
To yield to physical force
The sail gave during the storm.
Give
To collapse from force or pressure
The roof gave under the weight of the snow.
Give
To yield to change
Both sides will have to give on some issues.
Give
To afford access or a view; open
The doors give onto a terrace.
Give
(Slang) To be in progress; happen
What gives?.
Give
Capacity or inclination to yield under pressure.
Give
The quality or condition of resilience; springiness
"Fruits that have some give ... will have more juice than hard ones" (Elizabeth Schneider).
Give
(ditransitive) To move, shift, provide something abstract or concrete to someone or something or somewhere.
Give
To transfer one's possession or holding of (something) to (someone).
I gave him my coat.
I gave my coat to the beggar.
When they asked, I gave my coat.
Give
To make a present or gift of.
I'm going to give my wife a necklace for her birthday.
She gave a pair of shoes to her husband for their anniversary.
He gives of his energies to the organization.
Give
To pledge.
I gave him my word that I'd protect his children.
Give
To provide (something) to (someone), to allow or afford.
I gave them permission to miss tomorrow's class.
Please give me some more time.
Give
To cause (a sensation or feeling) to exist in.
It gives me a lot of pleasure to be here tonight.
The fence gave me an electric shock.
My mother-in-law gives me nothing but grief.
Give
To carry out (a physical interaction) with (something).
I want to give you a kiss.
She gave him a hug.
I'd like to give the tire a kick.
I gave the boy a push on the swing.
She gave me a wink afterwards, so I knew she was joking.
Give
To pass (something) into (someone's hand, etc.).
Give me your hand.
On entering the house, he gave his coat to the doorman.
Give
To cause (a disease or condition) in, or to transmit (a disease or condition) to.
My boyfriend gave me chlamydia.
He was convinced that it was his alcoholism that gave him cancer.
Give
(transitive) To provide, as, a service or a broadcast.
They're giving my favorite show!
Give
(ditransitive) To estimate or predict (a duration or probability) for (something).
I give it ten minutes before he gives up.
I give it a 95% chance of success.
I'll give their marriage six months.
Give
(intransitive) To yield or collapse under pressure or force.
One pillar gave, then more, and suddenly the whole floor pancaked onto the floor below.
Give
(intransitive) To lead (onto or into).
The master bedroom gives onto a spacious balcony.
Give
To provide a view of.
His window gave the park.
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to yield.
The number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Give
To cause; to make; used with the infinitive.
Give
To cause (someone) to have; produce in (someone); effectuate.
Give
To allow or admit by way of supposition; to concede.
He can be bad-tempered, I'll give you that, but he's a hard worker.
Give
To attribute; to assign; to adjudge.
Give
To communicate or announce (advice, tidings, etc.); to pronounce or utter (an opinion, a judgment, a shout, etc.).
The umpire finally gave his decision: the ball was out.
Give
To grant power, permission, destiny, etc. (especially to a person); to allot; to allow.
Give
(reflexive) To devote or apply (oneself).
The soldiers give themselves to plunder.
That boy is given to fits of bad temper.
Give
(obsolete) To become soft or moist.
Give
(obsolete) To shed tears; to weep.
Give
(obsolete) To have a misgiving.
Give
(slang) To be going on, to be occurring; what gives?
Your outfit is giving!
Give
The amount of bending that something undergoes when a force is applied to it; a tendency to yield under pressure; resilence.
This chair doesn't have much give.
There is no give in his dogmatic religious beliefs.
Give
To bestow without receiving a return; to confer without compensation; to impart, as a possession; to grant, as authority or permission; to yield up or allow.
For generous lords had rather give than pay.
Give
To yield possesion of; to deliver over, as property, in exchange for something; to pay; as, we give the value of what we buy.
What shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?
Give
To yield; to furnish; to produce; to emit; as, flint and steel give sparks.
Give
To communicate or announce, as advice, tidings, etc.; to pronounce; to render or utter, as an opinion, a judgment, a sentence, a shout, etc.
Give
To grant power or license to; to permit; to allow; to license; to commission.
It is given me once again to behold my friend.
Then give thy friend to shed the sacred wine.
Give
To exhibit as a product or result; to produce; to show; as, the number of men, divided by the number of ships, gives four hundred to each ship.
Give
To devote; to apply; used reflexively, to devote or apply one's self; as, the soldiers give themselves to plunder; also in this sense used very frequently in the past participle; as, the people are given to luxury and pleasure; the youth is given to study.
Give
To set forth as a known quantity or a known relation, or as a premise from which to reason; - used principally in the passive form given.
Give
To allow or admit by way of supposition.
I give not heaven for lost.
Give
To attribute; to assign; to adjudge.
I don't wonder at people's giving him to me as a lover.
Give
To excite or cause to exist, as a sensation; as, to give offense; to give pleasure or pain.
Give
To pledge; as, to give one's word.
Give
To cause; to make; - with the infinitive; as, to give one to understand, to know, etc.
But there the duke was given to understandThat in a gondola were seen togetherLorenzo and his amorous Jessica.
Give
To afford a view of; as, his window gave the park.
Whatsoever we employ in charitable uses during our lives, is given away from ourselves.
I fear our ears have given us the bag.
One that gives out himself Prince Florizel.
Give out you are of Epidamnum.
The Babylonians had given themselves over to all manner of vice.
He has . . . given upFor certain drops of salt, your city Rome.
I'll not state themBy giving up their characters.
Give
To give a gift or gifts.
Give
To yield to force or pressure; to relax; to become less rigid; as, the earth gives under the feet.
Give
To become soft or moist.
Give
To move; to recede.
Now back he gives, then rushes on amain.
Give
To shed tears; to weep.
Whose eyes do never giveBut through lust and laughter.
Give
To have a misgiving.
My mind gives ye're reservedTo rob poor market women.
Give
To open; to lead.
This, yielding, gave into a grassy walk.
They gave back and came no farther.
The Scots battalion was enforced to give in.
This consideration may induce a translator to give in to those general phrases.
Rooms which gave upon a pillared porch.
The gloomy staircase on which the grating gave.
It would be well for all authors, if they knew when to give over, and to desist from any further pursuits after fame.
Give
The elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
Give
Cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense;
She gave him a black eye
The draft gave me a cold
Give
Be the cause or source of;
He gave me a lot of trouble
Our meeting afforded much interesting information
Give
Transfer possession of something concrete or abstract to somebody;
I gave her my money
Can you give me lessons?
She gave the children lots of love and tender loving care
Give
Convey or reveal information;
Give one's name
Give
Convey, as of a compliment, regards, attention, etc.; bestow;
Don't pay him any mind
Give the orders
Give him my best regards
Pay attention
Give
Organize or be responsible for;
Hold a reception
Have, throw, or make a party
Give a course
Give
Convey or communicate; of a smile, a look, a physical gesture;
Throw a glance
She gave me a dirty look
Give
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Give
Bring about;
His two singles gave the team the victory
Give
Dedicate;
Give thought to
Give priority to
Pay attention to
Give
Give or supply;
The cow brings in 5 liters of milk
This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn
The estate renders some revenue for the family
Give
Tell or deposit (information) knowledge;
Give a secret to the Russians
Leave your name and address here
Give
Bring about;
The trompe l'oeil-illusion establishes depth
Give
Leave with; give temporarily;
Can I give you my keys while I go in the pool?
Can I give you the children for the weekend?
Give
Emit or utter;
Give a gulp
Give a yelp
Give
Endure the loss of;
He gave his life for his children
I gave two sons to the war
Give
Place into the hands or custody of;
Hand me the spoon, please
Turn the files over to me, please
He turned over the prisoner to his lawyers
Give
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Give
Give (as medicine);
I gave him the drug
Give
Give or convey physically;
She gave him First Aid
I gave him a punch in the nose
Give
Bestow;
Give hommage
Render thanks
Give
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
Give
Move in order to make room for someone for something;
The park gave way to a supermarket
`Move over,' he told the crowd
Give
Give food to;
Feed the starving children in India
Don't give the child this tough meat
Give
Contribute to some cause;
I gave at the office
Give
Break down, literally or metaphorically;
The wall collapsed
The business collapsed
The dam broke
The roof collapsed
The wall gave in
The roof finally gave under the weight of the ice
Give
Estimate the duration or outcome of something;
He gave the patient three months to live
I gave him a very good chance at success
Give
Execute and deliver;
Give bond
Give
Deliver in exchange or recompense;
I'll give you three books for four CDs
Give
Afford access to;
The door opens to the patio
The French doors give onto a terrace
Give
Present to view;
He gave the sign to start
Give
Perform for an audience;
Pollini is giving another concert in New York
Give
Be flexible under stress of physical force;
This material doesn't give
Give
Propose;
He gave the first of many toasts at the birthday party
Give
Legal use: accord by verdict;
Give a decision for the plaintiff
Give
Manifest or show;
This student gives promise of real creativity
The office gave evidence of tampering
Give
Offer in good faith;
He gave her his word
Give
Submit for consideration, judgment, or use;
Give one's opinion
Give an excuse
Give
Guide or direct, as by behavior of persuasion;
You gave me to think that you agreed with me
Give
Allow to have or take;
I give you two minutes to respond
Give
Inflict as a punishment;
She gave the boy a good spanking
The judge gave me 10 years
Give
Occur;
What gives?
Give
Proffer (a body part);
She gave her hand to her little sister
Common Curiosities
How does asking benefit communication?
Asking stimulates dialogue and can deepen understanding or strengthen relationships through interactive exchanges.
What are the social benefits of asking questions?
Asking questions can increase knowledge, foster inclusivity, and promote a culture of learning and openness.
Does giving require wealth?
Giving does not necessarily require wealth; people can give time, effort, or skills, not just material items.
What impact does giving have on the giver?
Giving can enhance the giver's sense of satisfaction, happiness, and social connection.
What does it mean to ask someone?
To ask someone means to request information, help, or permission, often reflecting a need or curiosity.
Can asking be seen as imposing?
Depending on the context and frequency, asking can sometimes be perceived as imposing if it places undue pressure on the other party.
Is giving always voluntary?
Giving is generally voluntary, but sometimes it can be motivated by social expectations or obligations.
What are examples of giving in a community context?
Examples include donating to local charities, volunteering at shelters, or organizing community clean-up events.
How can teachers encourage students to ask questions?
Teachers can encourage students by creating a supportive environment that values curiosity and acknowledges all questions as valuable.
Can giving be harmful?
If not thought through, giving can sometimes lead to dependency or reduce the recipient’s initiative to solve problems independently.
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Facilities vs. AmenitiesAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
