Mastering English Phrasal Verbs with "GIVE": Your Essential Guide

Unlock crucial English phrasal verbs using "GIVE"!  Learn about "give away," "give in," "give off," "give out," "give over," and "give up" through clear explanations and practical situations. Boost your fluency today!

Let's delve into these essential "give" phrasal verbs, complete with precise definitions and practical examples.

1. GIVE AWAY: To Reveal a Secret or Distribute Freely

The phrasal verb "give away" typically has two meanings.

• Meaning 1: To disclose confidential information or a secret, often unintentionally.
• Example 1: "During the poker game, his nervous fidgeting inadvertently gave away his weak hand."
• Example 2: "She inadvertently gave away the details of her friend's engagement party before the official announcement."
• Example 3: "Even though he tried to maintain a poker face, his flushed cheeks gave away his embarrassment."
• Meaning 2: To provide something at no cost; to distribute items for free.
• Example 1: "Instead of selling them, the renowned artist chose to give away several of his early sketches to budding art students."
• Example 2: "The new electronics store intends to give away complimentary headphones at its grand opening next month."
• Example 3: "To mark their milestone anniversary, the local coffee shop decided to give away a free muffin with every large coffee purchased."

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2. GIVE IN: To Capitulate or Yield to Pressure

When someone "gives in," they cease their opposition or resistance and ultimately comply with another's wishes or demands.

• Meaning: To surrender, or finally concede to something after a period of resistance.
• Example 1: "Following lengthy and intense discussions, the management team ultimately had to give in to the employees' demands for improved working conditions."
• Example 2: "Outnumbered and completely surrounded, the smaller military unit had no alternative but to give in to the advancing enemy forces."
• Example 3: "Despite her best efforts to resist the allure of the rich dessert, her resolve eventually gave in."
• Example 4: "If you steadfastly refuse to give in to their intimidation, they might simply withdraw and leave you alone."

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3. GIVE OFF: To Emit or Send Out

This phrasal verb describes the process of something producing and releasing a smell, light, heat, or even an intangible feeling or impression.

• Meaning: To emit or discharge (e.g., an odor, thermal energy, illumination, or a particular atmosphere).
• Example 1: "The fragrant honeysuckle bush gives off a delightful, sweet aroma during the evening hours."
• Example 2: "After a heavy downpour, the freshly dampened soil often gives off a unique, earthy scent."
• Example 3: "The aging, inefficient heater in the corner was giving off an excessive amount of warmth, making the room uncomfortably hot."

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4. GIVE OUT: To Distribute Items or Reveal Information

"Give out" can refer to the act of distributing physical objects, but it is also frequently used to mean sharing or disclosing facts and details.

• Meaning 1: To distribute or hand out (e.g., documents, supplies, or information materials).
• Example 1: "The lecturer began to give out the revised course handouts to the students."
• Example 2: "Charity workers were giving out blankets and hot meals to the homeless."
• Meaning 2: To disclose or divulge information, particularly personal or sensitive details.
• Example 1: "It's highly inadvisable to give out your personal financial credentials over an unencrypted internet connection."
• Example 2: "After considerable urging, she finally consented to give out the closely guarded recipe for her famous blueberry pie."
• Example 3: "The actor's agent advised him not to give out any preliminary information about his next film project before the official press release."

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5. GIVE OVER: To Transfer Authority or Allot Space

This phrasal verb signifies either the transfer of power or control, or the dedication of a specific area or resource for a particular use.

• Meaning 1: To transfer command, responsibility, or possession of something to another person.
• Example 1: "After decades of leading the family enterprise, she decided it was time to give over management duties to her ambitious younger sibling."
• Example 2: "Despite his strong reservations, the aging monarch was compelled to give over his royal authority to the newly established legislative body."
• Meaning 2: To assign, or commit a particular space, time, or resource entirely to a specific function or purpose.
• Example 1: "The disused warehouse district was entirely given over to a collective of urban artists who transformed it into a vibrant cultural hub."
• Example 2: "The city council intends to give over the entire unused lot for the development of much-needed affordable housing units."

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6. GIVE UP: To Cease an Effort, Abandon, or Quit a Habit

"Give up" is one of the most frequently used phrasal verbs, typically implying an end to an endeavor, a cessation of trying, or abandoning a routine.

• Meaning 1: To abandon an attempt, discontinue an effort, or stop a particular habit.
• Example 1: "The startup company was forced to give up its ambitious expansion plans due to unforeseen financial difficulties."
• Example 2: "He recognized the necessity of giving up his sedentary lifestyle if he genuinely wished to improve his overall health."
• Example 3: "Despite the challenging mountainous terrain, the determined climbers refused to give up their ascent to the peak."
• Meaning 2: To stop hoping or to fall into despair.
• Example 1: "They were strongly encouraged not to give up hope, even when faced with such overwhelming adversity."
• Example 2: "Never give up on your aspirations; persistent effort is key to achieving them!"