Given vs. Taken — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 18, 2024
"Given" implies something provided willingly or assigned, while "taken" implies something acquired, often by choice or force.
Difference Between Given and Taken
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Given" refers to something that is provided, assigned, or bestowed by another person or authority. It emphasizes the action of offering or granting something to someone else. Taken," in contrast, refers to something that is acquired, obtained, or seized, often implying an action by the person who receives it. This can occur willingly, such as accepting an opportunity, or forcibly, like taking control of a territory.
"Given" often connotes a passive receipt, where the recipient does not need to actively seek out or acquire what is provided. "Taken," on the other hand, suggests an active role of the recipient in acquiring what is desired or needed.
While "given" implies generosity or assignment from an external source, "taken" implies initiative or acquisition by the recipient. Both terms are essential in describing different perspectives and actions in the transfer or acquisition process.
In legal or formal contexts, "given" can denote authority or permission, as in "given rights," whereas "taken" can imply possession or control, as in "taken property." Their uses reflect the dynamics of providing and acquiring.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Provided, assigned, or bestowed
Acquired, obtained, or seized
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Emphasis
Act of offering or granting
Act of acquiring or receiving
Role
Passive receipt by the recipient
Active acquisition by the recipient
Connotation
Generosity, assignment, permission
Initiative, effort, possession
Examples
Given instructions, given homework
Taken opportunities, taken control
Compare with Definitions
Given
Provided willingly.
The awards were given to the top performers.
Taken
Seized by force.
The land was taken during the conflict.
Given
Entrusted or handed over.
The keys were given to the new tenant.
Taken
Acquired by choice.
He had taken a keen interest in photography.
Given
Assigned by an authority.
The tasks were given by the manager.
Taken
Engaged in or undertaken.
He had taken the lead in the project.
Given
Offered or presented.
Advice was given freely to anyone who asked.
Taken
Accepted or received.
She had taken the job offer eagerly.
Given
Past participle of give.
Taken
Past participle of take.
Given
Specified; fixed
We will meet at a given time and location.
Taken
Infatuated; fond of or attracted to.
He was very taken with the girl, I hear.
Given
Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed
Given the condition of the engine, it is a wonder that it even starts.
Taken
(informal) In a serious romantic relationship.
I can't ask him out, she's taken.
Given
Having a tendency; inclined
My neighbor is given to lavish spending.
Taken
Past participle of take
Given
Bestowed as a gift; presented.
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
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).
Taken
Having possession gained especially by force or effort
Given
Inflection of give
Taken
Be affected with an indisposition;
The child was taken ill
Couldn't tell when he would be taken drunk
Given
Considering; taking into account.
Given the current situation, I don't think that's possible.
Taken
Removed from a place.
The books were taken from the library shelf.
Given
A condition that is assumed to be true without further evaluation.
When evaluating this math problem, don't forget to read the givens.
Given
Already arranged. en
Given
Currently discussed. en
Given
Particular, specific.
No more than three people can be in that space at a given time.
Given
Assumed as fact or hypothesis.
Given that we will get the resources, what do we want to achieve?
Given
(with to) Prone, disposed.
He was given to taking a couple of glasses of port at his club.
Given
Granted; assumed; supposed to be known; set forth as a known quantity, relation, or premise.
Given
Stated; fixed; as, in a given time.
Given
An assumption that is taken for granted
Given
Specified in advance;
A given number
We will meet at a given time and location
Given
Acknowledged as a supposition;
Given the engine's condition, it is a wonder that it started
Given
Having possession delivered or transferred without compensation
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
Given
Bestowed as a gift.
The scholarship was given to deserving students.
Common Curiosities
Can "given" imply authority?
Yes, "given" can imply authority, as in "given orders."
What is an example of "given" in a sentence?
e.g., The instructions were given by the teacher.
How is "taken" different from "given"?
"Taken" implies something acquired or seized, often by choice or force, while "given" implies something provided or assigned.
What is an example of "taken" in a sentence?
e.g., The opportunity was taken without hesitation.
How does "taken" relate to control?
"Taken" can imply taking control, e.g., "The team has taken the lead."
Does "taken" always imply force?
No, "taken" can also imply willingly acquired or accepted, not just by force.
What does "given" mean?
"Given" means something that is provided, assigned, or bestowed.
Can "given" be used for assignments?
Yes, "given" is often used for tasks or assignments, e.g., "The homework was given yesterday."
Can "taken" imply initiative?
Yes, "taken" often implies initiative or effort.
Is "given" passive or active?
"Given" is generally passive from the recipient's perspective.
What contexts use "taken"?
"Taken" is used in contexts like opportunities, control, and possession.
How do "given" and "taken" reflect roles in transactions?
"Given" reflects the provider's role, while "taken" reflects the acquirer's role.
Can "given" imply generosity?
Yes, "given" often implies an act of generosity.
What contexts use "given"?
"Given" is used in contexts like gifts, instructions, and assignments.
Is "taken" passive or active?
"Taken" is generally active from the recipient's perspective.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
