gave it up

USAGE SUMMARY

"gave it up" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a phrasal verb, meaning to relinquish or abandon something or to stop doing something. Example: After years of struggling to find success as an actor, he finally gave it up and went back to his hometown to work at his family's business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

(Eliot never quite gave it up).

The New Yorker

(She gave it up a month ago).

The New York Times - Style

I gave it up just cold turkey.

The New York Times

Finally, he gave it up, he said.

The New York Times - Style

He gave it up for the team".

The New York Times - Sports

I gave it up 15 years ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Give it up, Blanche!

The New York Times

Give it up, Clark!

University of California, Berkeley

Would he give it up?

The Economist

"Can I give it up?

The New York Times - Sports

Give it up for Kent State.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality when choosing "gave it up" versus more formal alternatives like "relinquished" or "abandoned".

Common error

Avoid using "gave it up" without a clear reference to what "it" represents. This can confuse readers. Always make sure the subject is clear. For example, instead of saying "He struggled with smoking, but eventually gave it up", specify "He struggled with smoking, but eventually gave up smoking."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gave it up" is a phrasal verb. It acts as the predicate of a clause, indicating the action of ceasing or relinquishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave it up" is a common phrasal verb used to describe the act of stopping or abandoning something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usage. While generally considered neutral in register, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives such as "relinquished" or "abandoned". When using "gave it up", ensure the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. This analysis, based on numerous real-world examples, offers a comprehensive guide to effectively using "gave it up" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quit it

A more informal way of saying stopped doing something.

stopped doing it

A straightforward description of ceasing an action.

relinquished it

Focuses on formally giving something up.

abandoned it

Emphasizes a complete and sometimes abrupt cessation.

ceased it

A more formal and absolute term for ending something.

discontinued it

Emphasizes the act of stopping something that was ongoing.

renounced it

Suggests a formal rejection or disavowal.

surrendered it

Suggests giving up in the face of opposition or difficulty.

forsook it

Implies a complete abandonment, often with a sense of regret or solemnity.

walked away from it

Suggests a conscious decision to leave something behind.

FAQs

What does it mean to "give something up"?

To "give something up" means to stop doing or having something, often something you enjoy or that is a habit. It can also mean to surrender or relinquish something to someone else.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gave it up"?

You can use alternatives like "relinquished it", "abandoned it", "quit it", or "stopped doing it", depending on the context.

How do I use "gave it up" in a sentence?

You can use "gave it up" to describe stopping an activity or habit, such as "She gave up smoking" or "He gave up his dream of becoming a musician". The phrase implies a decision to cease something.

Is "gave it up" formal or informal?

"Gave it up" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "relinquished", "abandoned", or "ceased".