Quick Definition
Give Up — To stop doing or having something; to stop trying.
Meanings of Give Up
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Stop a habit | He gave up smoking last year. | He stopped smoking. |
| Stop trying | Don't give up — you're almost there. | Don't quit or surrender. |
| Surrender something | She gave up her seat to an elderly passenger. | She offered her seat voluntarily. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| He gave up smoking last year. | He stopped smoking. |
| Don't give up — you're almost there. | Don't quit or surrender. |
| She gave up her seat to an elderly passenger. | She offered her seat voluntarily. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll give up it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive / intransitive
Intransitive (I gave up) or transitive separable (give up smoking / give smoking up). With pronoun: give it up.
How to Use Give Up
Neutral. Used in all contexts from motivational speeches to casual conversation.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | He gave up smoking last year. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Give Up
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Give Up
What does "Give Up" mean?
"Give Up" means: To stop doing or having something; to stop trying. It is a transitive / intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Give Up" separable or inseparable?
"Give Up" is separable. Intransitive (I gave up) or transitive separable (give up smoking / give smoking up). With pronoun: give it up.
How do I use "Give Up" in a sentence?
He gave up smoking last year. -- in this example, 'Give Up' means he stopped smoking.
What is the register of "Give Up"?
Neutral. Used in all contexts from motivational speeches to casual conversation.
What CEFR level is "Give Up"?
"Give Up" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral contexts.
What is the difference between "Give Up" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Give Up" specifically means: To stop doing or having something; to stop trying. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Give Up" be used formally?
Neutral. Used in all contexts from motivational speeches to casual conversation. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Give Up" take an object?
"Give Up" is transitive / intransitive. Intransitive (I gave up) or transitive separable (give up smoking / give smoking up). With pronoun: give it up.
How can I practise "Give Up"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Give Up' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Give Up" used in British or American English?
"Give Up" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral. Used in all contexts from motivational speeches to casual conversation.