Phrasal verb
give up
Meanings
to stop trying to do something because you think you cannot succeed
to stop doing or using something, especially a habit
to surrender or stop resisting
Definition
To give up means to stop trying or to stop doing something because it is too difficult or you no longer want to continue.
To give up is to stop making an effort to do something, often after struggling for a while. It can also mean to stop a habit or activity permanently. In some situations, it means to surrender or admit defeat. The meaning is usually clear from the context.
Examples
- I won’t give up, even if it takes me another week to learn this.
- You shouldn’t give up just because the first attempt failed.
- He decided to give up coffee to sleep better at night.
- She refused to give up her seat to the rude passenger.
- They didn’t give up until they found the correct address.
Common mistake
Learners often say "give up to do" instead of "give up doing" (e.g., "give up smoking," not "give up to smoke").
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.