give up
- 01 A2 Elementary
to stop trying to do something because it is too difficult.
to admit defeat or cease making an effort; often used intransitively when a person stops a task due to frustration or exhaustion.
Simple“I couldn't solve the puzzle, so I decided to give up after an hour.”
In context“After several failed attempts to repair the engine, the mechanic finally had to give up and suggest a total replacement.”
Usageoften used without an object
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse this with 'give in', which specifically means to agree to something you didn't want to do.
- 02 A2 Elementary
to stop doing something that you do regularly, especially a bad habit.
to cease a habitual activity or the consumption of a particular substance.
Simple“My father gave up smoking ten years ago for his health.”
In context“She decided to give up sugar for a month to see if it would improve her energy levels during the day.”
Usagetakes a noun or a gerund (-ing form) as an object
PitfallHe gave up to smoke last year. He gave up smoking last year.When 'give up' is followed by another verb, that verb must be in the -ing form.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
to allow someone else to have something that was yours.
to relinquish possession or control of something, often under pressure or as a sacrifice.
Simple“He had to give up his seat on the bus to an elderly woman.”
In context“The rebels were forced to give up their weapons as part of the peace agreement signed last week.”
Usagetransitive; the object can go between 'give' and 'up' if it is a pronoun
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop believing that someone will improve or be found.
to cease to expect that someone will act in a certain way or that a missing person will be recovered.
Simple“Don't give up on him yet; he just needs a little more time to learn.”
In context“The search party refused to give up on the missing hikers despite the worsening weather conditions.”
Usageusually takes the preposition 'on'
Teacher's tipThis sense carries a strong emotional weight, suggesting a final loss of faith or patience.
Synonymsdespair oflose faith in
Contrast the intransitive use ('I give up!') with the transitive use ('He gave up his dream'), noting the verb is separable ('He gave it up').