Preposition

[Richard Togher]

Does the preposition ‘TO’ have to follow the words ‘GIVEN’ and ‘GAVE’

‘All you need has been given (TO) you’

‘I gave it (TO) you’

I feel that it sounds better to include the preposition, but I’m not sure if it’s redundant. Is it a matter of personal choice or is there a rule governing this

[riverkid]

Does the preposition ‘TO’ have to follow the words ‘GIVEN’ and ‘GAVE’

‘All you need has been given (TO) you’

‘I gave it (TO) you’

I feel that it sounds better to include the preposition, but I’m not sure if it’s redundant. Is it a matter of personal choice or is there a rule governing this

In the first case, no, Richard, 'to' isn't necessary, though it is possible, leading us to the inescapable conclusion that there is personal choice involved. Without 'to' it sounds very formal, almost biblical. Maybe it's an older form still used in some forms of English.

In the second example, 'to' is required.