give
form and word order
Give is a very common verb that has several meanings. Its past tense is gave. Its -ed participle is given.
Give usually takes an indirect object. For some meanings of give, the indirect object must go in front of the direct object. For other meanings, it can go either in front of the direct object or after it.
physical actions
Give is often used to describe physical actions. When you use give like this, put the indirect object in front of the direct object. For example, say ‘He gave the ball a kick’. Don't say ‘He gave a kick to the ball’.
He gave the door a push.
Ana gave Bal's hand a squeeze.
expressions and gestures
Give is also used to describe expressions and gestures. When give is used like this, the indirect object goes in front of the direct object.
He gave her a kind smile.
As he passed me, he gave me a wink.
effects
You can also use give to describe an effect produced by someone or something. Again, the indirect object goes in front of the direct object.
I thought I'd give you a surprise.
That noise gives me a headache.
things
If you give someone something, you offer it to them and they take it. When you use give like this, the indirect object can go either in front of the direct object or after it. When you put the direct object first, you put to in front of the indirect object.
She gave Ravinder the keys.
He gave the letter to the teacher.
However, when the direct object is a pronoun such as it or them and the indirect object is not a pronoun, you must put the direct object first. Say ‘He gave it to his father’. Don't say ‘He gave his father it’.
He poured some milk and gave it to Joseph.
information
You also say that you give someone information, advice, a warning, or an order. When give is used like this, the indirect object can go either in front of the direct object or after it.
Her secretary gave the caller the message.
He gave a strict warning to them not to look at the sun.
The captain gave an order to his team.