8 Phrasal Verbs with GIVE in English (Meaning & Examples)

Give is a seemingly simple verb, but when combined with particles, it becomes one of the most powerful and flexible verb groups in English. Phrasal verbs with GIVE are used daily to express ideas such as surrendering, returning, donating, revealing secrets, emitting energy, or giving up control.

In this lesson, you’ll learn the most common and practical phrasal verbs with GIVE, explained clearly with meanings, examples, grammar notes, dialogues, and exercises to help you use them naturally and confidently.

Pin

List of Common Phrasal Verbs with GIVE

Give away

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv əˈweɪ/

📖 Meaning 1: To donate or give something as a gift without expecting anything in return.
📝 Example: She decided to give away her old clothes to charity.

📖 Meaning 2: To reveal a secret or disclose information unintentionally.
📝 Example: He almost gave away the surprise by smiling.

📖 Meaning 3: To formally hand over responsibility or care (often used in weddings).
📝 Example: Her father gave her away at the ceremony.

📖 Meaning 4: To concede an advantage in competition or sports.
📝 Example: She gave away several points early in the match.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Transitive
• Structure: Separable → give something away / give it away (NOT give away it)

🔄 Synonyms: Donate, Reveal, Hand over

Give back

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv bæk/

📖 Meaning 1: To return something to its original owner.
📝 Example: Please give back the book tomorrow.

📖 Meaning 2: To contribute to a community or cause.
📝 Example: She volunteers to give back to society.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Transitive
• Structure: Separable

🔄 Synonyms: Return, Contribute

Give off vs. Give forth

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv ɒf/ – /ɡɪv fɔːθ/

📖 Give off: To emit smell, heat, light, or energy (common in everyday English).
📝 Example: The flowers give off a sweet smell.

📖 Give forth: To emit sound or speech (more formal, literary).
📝 Example: The choir gave forth a powerful song.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Transitive
• Structure: Inseparable

🔄 Synonyms: Emit, Release

Give in / Give in to

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv ɪn/

📖 Meaning 1: To surrender after resistance (psychological or emotional).
📝 Example: He refused to give in to pressure.

📖 Meaning 2: To allow oneself to be controlled by temptation or emotion.
📝 Example: She gave in to her cravings.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Intransitive
• Structure: Inseparable

🔄 Synonyms: Surrender, Yield

Give out

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv aʊt/

📖 Meaning 1: To distribute something.
📝 Example: They gave out free samples.

📖 Meaning 2: To stop functioning due to exhaustion or damage.
📝 Example: His phone gave out suddenly.

📖 Meaning 3 (Irish English): To complain angrily.
📝 Example: He kept giving out about the noise.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Transitive & Intransitive
• Structure: Separable (when transitive)

🔄 Synonyms: Distribute, Break down

Give up / Give up on / Give yourself up

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv ʌp/

📖 Core Meaning: To stop holding, continuing, or believing.

📖 Group 1 – Stop or quit
📝 Example: She gave up smoking.

📖 Group 2 – Lose hope
📝 Example: Don’t give up on your dreams.

📖 Group 3 – Surrender
📝 Example: The suspect gave himself up to police.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Transitive / Intransitive
• Structure: Separable (give it up)

🔄 Synonyms: Quit, Surrender, Abandon

Give way / Give way to

🔊 Pronunciation: /ɡɪv weɪ/

📖 Meaning 1: To collapse under physical pressure.
📝 Example: The bridge gave way under heavy trucks.

📖 Meaning 2: To yield or make room (traffic or emotions).
📝 Example: She gave way to tears.

💡 Grammar Note:

• Type: Intransitive
• Structure: Inseparable

🔄 Synonyms: Yield, Collapse

Dialogue Examples with Phrasal Verbs with GIVE

Dialogue 1: Giving Up vs. Giving In

A: Why did you stop trying?

B: I didn’t give up. I just changed direction and tried something new.

A: But everyone was pressuring you.

B: Yes, but I refused to give in to that pressure.

Dialogue 2: Giving Away and Giving Back

A: Did anyone reveal the surprise?

B: Almost. Someone nearly gave away the secret.

A: What about the borrowed books?

B: I’ll give them back to the library after class.

Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences

Complete the sentences using the correct phrasal verbs with GIVE:

1. She refused to _______ to pressure from her coworkers.
2. Please _______ the books after class.
3. The engine suddenly _______ during the trip.
4. He almost _______ the secret by laughing.

Answer Key – Exercise 1

1. give in
2. give back
3. gave out
4. gave away

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Meaning

Choose the correct phrasal verb:

1. Don’t _______ on yourself just because things are difficult.
   (give up / give off)
2. The flowers _______ a strong, pleasant smell.
   (give away / give off)
3. After hours of discussion, he finally _______ and agreed.
   (gave in / gave out)
4. The teacher _______ the handouts to the students.
   (gave out / gave back)

Answer Key – Exercise 2

1. give up
2. give off
3. gave in
4. gave out 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is “give in” used for physical collapse?
A: No. For physical structures, native speakers prefer give way.

Q: Is “give out” common in American English?
A: The meaning “complain angrily” is mainly Irish English.

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs with GIVE helps you sound natural, confident, and fluent in everyday English. Focus on core meanings and grammar patterns instead of memorizing isolated definitions.

👉 Download the PDF to practice phrasal verbs with Give offline, and explore more lessons:

• Phrasal Verbs with Get
• Phrasal Verbs with Take

Phrasal Verbs with GIVE | Video