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Old 15-Nov-2007, 14:31
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Default Preposition

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
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Old 15-Nov-2007, 15:42
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Default Re: Preposition

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Originally Posted by Richard Togher View Post
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.
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