What is Present? What is Gift? Distinguishing between Present and Gift in English

What is Present? What is Gift? When should we use Gift and Present? What are the differences between Present and Gift? All will be answered in PREP's article today. Check it out!

I. What is Present?

What is present? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Present is pronounced as /ˈprez.ənt/ and functions as a noun, an adjective, and a verb in a sentence. For each part of speech, Present will have a different meaning. Let's learn with PREP through the examples below!

• Present acts as a noun: something that is given, without asking for it, on a special occasion, especially to show friendship, or to say thank you. 

For example: My father gave me a doll as a birthday present. 

• Present acts as an adjective: in a particular place, happening or existing now. For example: There were no students present in the classroom. 
• Present acts as a verb: to give, provide, or make something known. 

For example: I presented the report to my teacher. 

1. Common phrases with Present

Let's explore some common phrases that are often used with Present!

2. The usage of Present

Below are three common usages of Present. Read now!

2.1. Present functions as a noun

When Present functions as a noun, it means: something that is given, without asking for it, on a special occasion, especially to show friendship, or to say thank you. For example:

• Griffith always cherished the presents his grandparent gave him. 
• I always keep the present that you gave me on my birthday carefully. 

2.2. Present functions as a verb

When Present functions as a verb, it means: to give, provide, or make something known. The formula:

S present something/someone

For example:

• The mayor presented five firefighters with medals for saving people's lives. 
• They present their ideas to the board of directors every week. 

2.3. Present functions as an adjective

When Present functions as an adjective, it mean: in a particular place, happening or existing now. For example:

• Xandra's present attitude towards her work is much more positive than before. 
• Jennie can't join you for lunch because she is busy with present jobs. 

II. What is Gift?

What is Gift? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Gift is pronounced as /ɡɪft/ and functions as a verb and a noun in a sentence. Let's learn the meaning of Gift through the examples below!

• Gift acts as a noun: something that is given, something that is surprisingly easy or cheap, a special or unusual ability. For example: My mother's birthday gift was a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 
• Gift acts as a verb: to present (something) as a gift to (a person). For example: Anna decided to gift her old books to the local library. 

1. Common phrases with Gift

Let’s learn common phrases often associated with Gift along with examples below!

2. The usage of Gift

Let's explore the usage of Gift with PREP!

2.1. Gift functions as a noun

Gift functions as a noun, meaning: something that is given, a special or unusual ability. For example:

• My sister gave me a really lovely gift on my 20th birthday.
• Euphemia’s talent for playing the piano is a true gift. 

2.2. Gift functions as a verb

Gift functions as a verb, meaning: to present (something) as a gift to (a person). For example:

• I wanted to gift my mom a handmade scarf for Mother's Day. 
• The company decided to gift its employees a bonus for their hard work. 

III. Differences between Present and Gift in English

Many are wondering how Gift and Present differ. Let's explore together how to distinguish between Present and Gift in English below!

Similarities: Both Present and Gift mean: something that is given.

Differences:

IV. Some other synonymous words with Present and Gift

Besides Present and Gift, what replacement words can we use to vary our vocabulary and avoid repetition? Below, I have compiled and explored some synonyms for Present and Gift. Check it out!

V. Exercises on Present and Gift with answers

To better understand how to use Present and Gift, let’s practice these exercises below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill the suitable word in the blanks: Present or Gift

1. I am currently in the _______ moment.
2. Winning the competition Inas a nice _______for her hard work.
3. The  _______situation is quite complex.
4. He is  _______in playing the piano.
5. She received a beautiful  _______on her birthday.

Exercise 2: Write the correct form of the word “Present”:

1. The ________ I received for my birthday was a beautiful necklace.
2. She  ________ her research findings at the conference last week.
3. The  ________ moment is all that matters; the past is gone, and the future is uncertain
4. The company's  ________ location is more convenient for its employees.
5. He  ________ the report to his colleagues at the meeting.

2. Answer

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