Verbs 'Give' and 'To Give': Usage in Different Sentences

When putting together a sentence in English, the verbs 'give' and 'to give' can often cause confusion. This article aims to clarify the correct usage of these verbs in various contexts, providing examples to help you understand their differences and applications accurately.

Give vs. To Give

Both 'give' and 'to give' are correct, but they are used in different situations and sentence structures. Give is the base form of the verb and can be used in imperative sentences or in simple present tense. For example:

You can give me your pen. She asked me to give her a pen.

To give is the infinitive form and is often used after certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns. For example:

Betty asked him to give her some advice. Let's give them a chance.

Contextual Usage

The correct verb to use depends on the context of the sentence. Here are some examples to illustrate:

Commands (Imperative Sentences)

In commands or imperative sentences, you typically use the base form of 'give':

Give me a book. Give me a pencil.

These sentences are direct requests or instructions.

To Give in Proposals and Offers

When offering something, or proposing to someone, you would use 'to give':

To give " is often used in a more formal context, such as making an offer: She asked me to give her a pen. Would you give me a chance to explain?

Examples in Sentences

Option A

In the following sentences:

I asked him for a pencil. I asked him to give me a pencil. I asked him to lend me a pencil. I asked to borrow a pencil from him.

Each sentence is correct but conveys a different meaning or intention:

I asked him for a pencil: This means you politely asked him if he can provide you with a pencil. I asked him to give me a pencil: This implies you are asking him to offer you a pencil. I asked him to lend me a pencil: This means you are asking him to loan you a pencil, which would likely involve returning it. I asked to borrow a pencil from him: This expresses that you are requesting permission to use his pencil temporarily.

Option B

Regarding your second example, "I asked him for a pencil," this is the correct choice for expressing a polite request. You can also use:

I asked him to give me a pencil: This is also correct, but it leans more towards an offer or a direct request for the pencil. I asked him if he would give me a pencil: This sentence structure asks for confirmation of an offer or willingness to give you a pencil.

Conclusion

To summarize, 'give' and 'to give' are versatile verbs that should be used with appropriate context. Understanding their differences is crucial for correct and effective communication. Whether you are making a request, offering something, or asking for a loan, the choice of the verb will guide the meaning and tone of your sentence.