Cool MateGive
UK /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɡɪv/","/ɡɪvz/","/ɡeɪv/","/ˈɡɪvn/","/ˈɡɪvɪŋ/"]/
Definition
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.
Examples
- 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.
Usage notes
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.
Collocations
- give a speech
- give a gift
- give advice
- give permission
- give a hand
Synonyms
- present
- offer
- provide
- furnish
- supply
Antonyms
- take
- withhold
- keep
Common mistakes
- 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.