Phrasal Verbs with “give”
"Give" forms a handful of very common phrasal verbs about stopping, surrendering, and producing. Here are the frequent ones, each with a meaning and an example.
Tip
"Give up" (quit) and "give in" (surrender) feel similar but differ: you give up an activity, and you give in to pressure.
7 phrasal verbs with “give”
give up
to stop trying; or to quit a habit.
“Don't give up — you're almost there.”
give in
to finally agree after resisting; to surrender.
“She gave in and let them stay up late.”
give away
to give something free; or to reveal a secret.
“They gave away free samples at the shop.”
give back
to return something to its owner.
“Please give me back my pen.”
give out
to distribute; or (of a machine or body) to stop working.
“The teacher gave out the exam papers.”
give off
to produce a smell, heat, or light.
“The flowers give off a sweet scent.”
give up on
to stop believing in someone or something.
“Never give up on your dreams.”
Frequently asked
What's the difference between "give up" and "give in"?
"Give up" means to stop trying or quit (give up smoking). "Give in" means to stop resisting and agree, usually under pressure (she gave in to their demands).
Does "give out" mean distribute or stop?
Both. "Give out leaflets" means distribute them; "my legs gave out" means they stopped working. Context decides.