What's the Difference Between 'Gift' and 'Present'?
In this blog post we look at when to use gift and when to use present.
'Gift' or 'Present'?
When used as a noun, the words "gift" and "present" can be considered interchangeable as they both refer to something given to another person. However, there are some subtle differences between the two words.
One difference is that "gift" can be used as an attributive noun, which means it modifies a noun to give more information about it. For example, "gift card" and "gift wrap" are both instances of "gift" being used as an attributive noun. This usage of "gift" emphasizes the idea that the item in question is intended for giving to someone else.
Another difference is that "gift" is also used in a legal context to imply that something (usually property or money) has been donated to another person without the expectation of anything in return. In this context, "gift" implies a voluntary act of generosity without any obligations or strings attached.
On the other hand, "present" is more commonly used in a general context, usually to indicate something that is given as a token of love, appreciation or friendship. It can also refer to something that is given to someone on a special occasion, such as a birthday or holiday.
In summary, while "gift" and "present" can be used interchangeably as a noun, "gift" is more commonly used as an attributive noun and in legal context, and "present" is more general and can be used in many different contexts.
Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference between “gift” and “present”:
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"She received a gift card for her birthday." In this sentence, "gift" is used as an attributive noun to describe the type of card that was received. The use of "gift" emphasizes that the card is intended for giving to someone else.
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"She gave her son a present for his graduation." In this sentence, "present" is used to indicate something that is given as a token of appreciation or congratulations.
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"He made a gift of his entire estate to charity." In this sentence, "gift" is used in a legal context to indicate that the estate was donated without the expectation of anything in return. The use of "gift" implies a voluntary act of generosity.
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"She gave him a present for their anniversary." In this sentence, "present" is used to indicate something that is given as a token of love or appreciation. The use of "present" implies that it is given on a special occasion.
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"He gave her a gift for their wedding." In this sentence, "gift" can be used interchangeably with "present" as it is used to indicate something that is given as a token of love or appreciation.
Examples of Gift in a Sentence
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She wrapped the gift in beautiful gift wrap.
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He made a gift of his entire estate to charity.
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She gave her son a gift for his birthday.
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He gave his friend a gift certificate as a birthday gift.
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The museum received a gift of artwork from a local artist.
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She opened the gift box to find a necklace inside.
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He surprised her with a thoughtful gift for her new job.
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The company provided a gift for the employees who reached the sales target.
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She gave her sister a gift card for her favorite store.
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She gave her son a gift of a new bike for his birthday.
Examples of Present in a Sentence
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He gave her a present for their anniversary.
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The company offered its employees a present as a bonus.
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She opened the present to find a new book inside.
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He gave his sister a present for her graduation.
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She gave her daughter a present for her first day of school.
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He surprised her with a present for their anniversary.
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The museum received a present of a sculpture from a local artist.
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He gave his friend a present for his new job.
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The company provided a present for the employees who reached the sales target.
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She gave her mother a present for Mother's Day.
