Given vs Grant

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Given

Top 1,000 (very common)

Grant

Formal Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most formal: Grant Most common: Given

	Given	Grant
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //ˈgɪvən// 🇺🇸 //ˈɡɪvən//	🇬🇧 /["/ɡrɑːnt/","/ɡrɑːnts/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪd/","/ˈɡrɑːntɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ɡrænt/","/ɡrænts/","/ˈɡræntɪd/","/ˈɡræntɪŋ/"]/
Meaning	To provide something to someone.	To give something, especially officially.
Example	She was given a beautiful necklace for her birthday.	The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment.
Register	Neutral	Formal
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	-	B2
Part of speech		verb
Collocations	given that, given the opportunity, given up, given time, given circumstances	expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to, expressly, specifically, automatically, agree to, decide to, refuse to
Antonyms	withhold, refuse	revoke, withhold
Common mistakes	Confused with 'gave' which is the past tense., Incorrectly used as a noun instead of a verb., Not using the correct preposition after 'given'.	Confused with 'granted' which is the past tense., Using 'grant' without an object., Mixing up 'grant' with 'gift', thinking they are interchangeable.
Usage notes	Often used to indicate the act of providing or allowing. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.	Typically used in formal contexts such as legal or educational settings. Avoid in casual conversations.

See it in real clips

Now, I haven't given it much thought, but it seems to me...

Breaking Bad › S1 E4

How many chances have we given you?

House Of Dragons › S1 E1

- Do something for her! - We've given her as much

Now, I haven't given it much thought, but it seems to me...

Breaking Bad › S1 E4

How many chances have we given you?

Given

if Mr. Woltz would grant us a favor.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

Thank you, Sergeant Grant.

if Mr. Woltz would grant us a favor.

Band Of Brothers › S1 E1

Thank you, Sergeant Grant.

Grant

Frequently asked questions: Given vs Grant

What's the difference between Given and Grant?

Given: To provide something to someone. Grant: To give something, especially officially.

Which is more formal: Given and Grant?

Grant is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Given and Grant?

Given is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Given: She was given a beautiful necklace for her birthday. Grant: The teacher decided to grant the students extra time for their assignment.

Can I use Given and Grant interchangeably?

Not always. Given and Grant are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.