he gave
Il donna un pourboire en signe de gratitude.
He tipped as a token of gratitude.
La raison qu'il donna est difficile à comprendre.
The reason he gave is difficult to understand.
Il donna brièvement ses raisons.
He briefly gave his reasons.
Il donna une explication à son absence.
He gave an explanation for his absence.
Il donna libre cours à ses sentiments.
He gave free rein to his feelings.
Then he gave orders.