A1verb high_frequency_chunk

Give

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Give

to hand something to somebody so that they can look at it, use it or keep it for a time

In simple words: To hand something to someone or to offer something.

Give in a sentence

• Please give me your book.
• I want to give a present to my friend.
• Can you give him a call later?
• The teacher will give us homework.
• She gave too much information during the meeting.
• They prefer to give their time to charity rather than money.
• He is willing to give his opinion on the matter.

How to use Give

Used in many contexts, from formal offers to casual exchanges. Avoid in contexts that require more specific verbs, like 'deliver' or 'bestow'.

Grammar pattern

give + object + to + recipient

Memory hint

Sounds like 'gift' — remember a gift is something you give.

Related words

Collocations with Give

• give a speech
• give a gift
• give advice
• give permission
• give a hand

Synonyms for Give

• present
• offer
• provide
• furnish
• supply

Opposites of Give

• take
• withhold
• keep

Common mistakes with Give

• Confused with 'give up', which means to stop trying.
• Using 'give' with an incorrect preposition; it should be 'give it to me', not 'give to me it'.
• Overusing 'give' instead of synonyms in formal writing.

Frequently asked questions about Give

What does Give mean?

To hand something to someone or to offer something.

What is the definition of Give?

to hand something to somebody so that they can look at it, use it or keep it for a time

How do you use Give in a sentence?

Please give me your book.

Can you give another example of Give?

I want to give a present to my friend.

What are synonyms for Give?

Common alternatives include present, offer, provide, furnish, supply.

What is the opposite of Give?

Opposite meanings include take, withhold, keep.

What words go with Give?

It commonly pairs with give a speech, give a gift, give advice, give permission, give a hand.

What are common mistakes when using Give?

Confused with 'give up', which means to stop trying. Using 'give' with an incorrect preposition; it should be 'give it to me', not 'give to me it'. Overusing 'give' instead of synonyms in formal writing.

How do you pronounce Give?

US: /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Give?

Used in many contexts, from formal offers to casual exchanges. Avoid in contexts that require more specific verbs, like 'deliver' or 'bestow'.

What CEFR level is Give?

"Give" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.