What is give? Pronunciation and usage in English

give means . Learn how to pronounce and use give through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of give

giveverb

/ɡɪv/
Definition & pronunciation of give

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "give" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /gɪv/ (rhymes with "hive" or "live")

Let's break that down further:

  • "G": A hard "g" sound – like in "go," "get," or "gate."
  • "I": A short "i" sound – as in "it," "sit," or "big."
  • "V": A "v" sound – as in "van," "very," or "voice."

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

Imagine saying "g-ih-v."

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "Giv" (with a short "i" sound after the "g"): This is a very common mistake! It sounds like "give" as in "gift." It's incorrect.
  • "Give" with an added "e" sound at the end: This is also incorrect. The “e” is silent.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Different accents can slightly alter pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word give in English

Let's break down how to use the word "give" in English. It's a hugely versatile word! Here's a breakdown categorized by usage, with examples:

1. As a Verb - To Transfer Something:

This is the most common usage. "Give" means to transfer something (physical or abstract) to someone else.

  • Physical Objects:
    • "I gave you my umbrella." (Transferred an umbrella)
    • "She gave him a gift." (Transferred a gift)
    • "Please give me the pen." (Requesting transfer of a pen)
  • Time:
    • "I gave him an hour to finish the task." (Transferred time)
    • "She gave up her weekend to help." (Transferred time - sacrificing leisure)
  • Information/Advice:
    • "He gave me some helpful advice." (Transferred information)
    • "I gave a lecture on history." (Transferred knowledge)
  • Support/Aid:
    • "The charity gives food to the homeless." (Transfers resources)
    • "We give support to those in need." (Providing assistance)

2. As a Verb - To Produce or Yield:

"Give" can also mean to produce or yield something, often in a natural or gradual way.

  • Fruits/Vegetables: "The tree gives apples every year."
  • Results/Effects: "The medicine gave him relief from the pain." (The medicine produced relief)
  • Birth: “She gave birth to a healthy baby.” (Produced a baby)

3. As a Verb - To Surrender or Yield (Often in a Struggle):

  • "The soldiers gave up the battle." (Yielded to the enemy)
  • "He gave in to her demands." (Yielded to her wishes)

4. As an Interjection (Expressing Surprise, Disagreement, or Excitement):

This is a less common but important usage. It's used to momentarily interrupt speech.

  • "Give me a break!" (Expressing frustration)
  • "Give it a try!" (Encouraging action)
  • "Give me a moment!" (Requesting a pause)

5. Phrasal Verbs (Very Important!):

"Give" is extremely common in phrasal verbs – verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs that often change the meaning. Here are some key ones:

  • Give up: To stop trying (e.g., "I gave up smoking.")
  • Give in: To surrender or yield (e.g., "He gave in to her pleas.")
  • Give out:
    • To distribute (e.g., "The teacher gave out worksheets.")
    • To run out of (e.g., "We're running out of milk.")
  • Give back: To return something (e.g., "Please give back your library book.")
  • Give away: To donate or distribute (e.g., "We gave away a lot of food at the event.")
  • Give over: To cease, stop (e.g., "Give over with the arguing!")
  • Give someone a chance: (to allow someone an opportunity) “He deserves a chance.”

6. As a Noun (Less Common):

  • A gift: “I received a lovely gift.”
  • A give-and-take: (a reciprocal exchange of ideas or opinions). “There’s always a give and take in a discussion.”

Tips for Using "Give" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "give" depends entirely on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Pay attention to phrasal verbs: Many common expressions involve “give.”
  • Consider the recipient: "Give" always involves a transfer to someone or something.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using "give"? (e.g., phrasal verbs, specific contexts, understanding the different meanings?)

Synonyms for the word give

Idioms of the word give

don’t give me that
(informal)used to tell somebody that you do not accept what they say
  • ‘I didn't have time to do it.’ ‘Oh, don't give me that!’
give and take
to be willing, in a relationship, to accept what somebody else wants and to give up some of what you want
  • You're going to have to learn to give and take.
give as good as you get
to react with equal force when somebody attacks or criticizes you
  • She can give as good as she gets.
give it up (for somebody)
(informal)to show your approval of somebody by clapping your hands
  • Give it up for Ed Sheeran!
give me something/somebody (any day/time)
(informal)used to say that you prefer a particular thing or person to the one that has just been mentioned
  • We don't go out much. Give me a quiet night in front of the TV any day!
give or take (something)
if something is correct give or take a particular amount, it is approximately correct
  • It'll take about three weeks, give or take a day or so.
give somebody to believe/understand (that)…
(formal)to make somebody believe/understand something
  • I was given to understand that she had resigned.
give somebody what for
to severely punish or criticize somebody for doing something wrong
  • My son was rude to my friends so I gave him what for.
I give you…
used to ask people to drink a toast to somebody
  • Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Geoff Ogilby!
I/I’ll give you that
(informal)used when you are admitting that something is true
    what gives?
    (informal)what is happening?; what is the news?

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