gave it away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave it away" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to revealing a secret or giving something for free. For example, "She accidentally gave it away during the conversation." Alternative expressions include "revealed it" and "disclosed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Frazier gave it away.

The New York Times

What gave it away?

The New York Times

What clues gave it away?

The New York Times

CL: What gave it away?

The New Yorker

Gave it away.

The New York Times

She gave it away.

The New York Times

"We gave it away.

The New York Times - Sports

They gave it away".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I gave it away".

The New York Times - Magazine

The next, he gave it away.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Its name gives it away.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave it away" to describe situations where something was inadvertently revealed or lost due to a mistake. It can also describe an instance when something is freely handed over.

Common error

Avoid using "gave it away" when describing intentional acts of generosity. The phrase often implies a lack of foresight or a mistake, which doesn't fit scenarios of planned giving.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gave it away" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "gave" with the particle "away" to create a distinct meaning different from the individual words. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sports

15%

General Conversation

21%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "gave it away" is a versatile expression used to describe unintentional disclosures, lost advantages, or freely provided items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general conversation. When writing, it's important to consider the subtle implications of inadvertence associated with the phrase and choose more appropriate alternatives, such as "donated" or "revealed", when describing intentional actions. Its high frequency and consistent application across authoritative sources solidify its place as a standard English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealed the secret

Focuses specifically on the act of unveiling hidden information.

disclosed the information

A formal way of saying information was revealed.

let the cat out of the bag

An idiomatic expression emphasizing accidental revelation.

surrendered the lead

Emphasizes the loss of a competitive advantage.

forfeited the advantage

Implies a more deliberate loss of an edge.

squandered the opportunity

Highlights the loss of a valuable chance.

relinquished control

Focuses on giving up power or authority.

handed it over

Emphasizes the act of transferring possession or control.

offered without charge

Stresses that there was no cost involved.

provided gratis

A formal way of saying something was provided for free.

FAQs

How can I use "gave it away" in a sentence?

You can use "gave it away" to describe revealing a secret unintentionally, as in "She accidentally "gave it away" during the meeting". It can also mean losing an advantage or opportunity, or providing something at no cost.

What's a more formal alternative to "gave it away"?

While "gave it away" is widely understood, more formal alternatives include "disclosed" when referring to information, "relinquished" for control or advantages, or "provided gratis" when offering something for free.

Is "gave it away" appropriate for describing a planned charitable donation?

Not typically. "Gave it away" often carries a connotation of carelessness or inadvertence. For planned generosity, use phrases like "donated", "contributed", or "gifted".

What's the difference between "gave it away" and "revealed it"?

"Revealed it" generally implies a conscious choice to disclose something, while "gave it away" often suggests the disclosure was unintentional or accidental. The phrase "gave it away" can also mean losing something.