Phrasal verb
give in
Definition
phrasal verb. to stop fighting or arguing and accept that you cannot win. You use this when you finally agree to do something because someone kept asking you.
phrasal verb. to cease resistance or opposition; to yield to pressure, an argument, or a request. The verb is frequently used intransitively to describe the act of surrendering.
Examples
“The kids kept asking for sweets until I finally gave in.”
“After hours of intense negotiation, the management finally gave in to the workers' demands for better pay.”
“The senator refused to give in to political pressure, maintaining her stance on the controversial bill despite the risk to her upcoming re-election campaign.”
Examples
simple
“The kids kept asking for sweets until I finally gave in.”
contextual
“After hours of intense negotiation, the management finally gave in to the workers' demands for better pay.”
complex
“The senator refused to give in to political pressure, maintaining her stance on the controversial bill despite the risk to her upcoming re-election campaign.”
Usage
often used alone or followed by 'to' and a noun.
Teaching tip
distinguish from 'give up', which focuses on quitting a difficult task rather than yielding to another person's will.
Pitfall
I gave in running because it was too hard.
I gave up running because it was too hard.
use 'give up' for quitting an activity; 'give in' means to stop resisting pressure from others.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
give + in
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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