given as a preposition

Hi,

I have no idea what is the meaning of second part of this sentence : " Your concerns regarding this business deal are quite legitimate, given past problems with that company.". I thought give is the meaning of considering the fact... but no verb nothing.

Yes, it's like 'considering something'. .

Yes, thanks. Although my first language is not English, I have never heard usage of "given" as a preposition. Is it common in spoken English or not. In what situations, "given" is appropriate? "given past problems with that company" makes this sentence a little complicated for me. Again, thanks for your reply.

Your example sentence is a bit telegraphic. I think you'd normally see "given your past problems ...".

This "given" is not uncommon. I would say that it is nearly mock formal, especially in speech, but always at least formal. It makes any sentence it appears in sound like a mathematical formula, for better or ill.

Hi Clive.

What would you call it? I think, grammatically, it is a preposition. However, what would you call it?

(Cambridge)
given /g?v. ? n/ preposition knowing about or considering a particular thing
Given his age, he's a remarkably fast runner.
Given (the fact) that he's had six months to do this, he hasn't made much progress.

This is one of those points where parts of speech breaks down. AHD calls it an adjective, but it sure does quack like a preposition, and Cambridge thinks it is one.

You are native, but as you said it sounds a preposition to me, too. How would you say it is an adjective? I don't understand.

AHD:

adj.

1.
a. Specified; fixed:We will meet at a given time and location.

b. Granted as a supposition; acknowledged or assumed:Gi

I would say it is a preposition, because phrases with "given" at the first are not complete.
"Given the condition of the engine."
but when we are talking about something that is assumed is scheduled, I would say it is an adjective.
"We will meet at a given time and location."