Phrasal verb
give out
Meanings
To distribute or hand out something to a group of people.
To stop working or fail, especially because of damage or heavy use.
To become too tired or weak to continue.
Definition
To give out means to distribute something or to stop working because of strain or exhaustion.
Give out is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It can mean to distribute things like papers, food, or information to people. It can also mean that a machine stops working, or that a person becomes too tired to continue.
Examples
- I gave out the name tags at the door.
- You should give out the snacks after everyone arrives.
- He gave out halfway up the hill and had to rest.
- Her old phone finally gave out during the trip.
- They gave out flyers to visitors at the event.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse give out (distribute or stop working) with give up (quit) and use the wrong one for the meaning.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.