# give over to

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/give-over-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to use a particular space or a certain amount of time for only one purpose.

For teachers: to dedicate or devote a specific resource, such as time or space, entirely to a particular activity or purpose; often used in the passive voice.

## Examples

- The afternoon was given over to private study.
- Large areas of the old city center have been given over to pedestrian zones and outdoor cafes.
- The entire second floor of the gallery was given over to an experimental installation that challenged traditional notions of sculpture.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The room was given over for the meeting." but "The room was given over to the meeting." — the phrasal verb requires the preposition 'to' to indicate the purpose or recipient of the space.

## Usage notes

- frequently occurs in the passive form 'be given over to' followed by a noun or gerund.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'dedicate to' or 'devote to'; 'give over to' often implies a total change in how a space or time block is used.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.