give birth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'give birth' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the biological process of childbirth. For example: "The mother was in labor for several hours before giving birth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women give birth.

The New York Times - Books

All animals give birth.

Columbia University

I won't give birth.

The Guardian - Opinion

He watched me give birth.

The Guardian

I watched them give birth.

The Guardian

Others give birth in jail.

The New York Times

Most mammals give birth to live young.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3) I have to give birth *twice*.

Independent

Tyranny will give birth to other evils.

The New York Times

Mother Cabbage is about to give birth.

The New Yorker

Females give birth to 4 100 young.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use active voice when possible (e.g., "She gave birth") for clarity and directness, but passive voice may be preferred in certain contexts (e.g., "The baby was delivered safely").

Common error

Avoid using "give birth" when you mean "give" in other contexts, such as "give a present" or "give advice". "Give birth" specifically refers to childbirth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give birth" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of childbirth or parturition. It is used to describe the biological process of a female animal or human bringing forth offspring. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give birth" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of delivering offspring. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for a broad audience. While alternatives like "have a baby" or "bear a child" exist, "give birth" remains a clear and widely accepted way to express the concept of childbirth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a baby

A simpler and more common way to say "give birth".

deliver a baby

Focuses on the action of helping someone to "give birth".

bear a child

A more formal and literary way to say "give birth".

bring forth life

Emphasizes the creation of new life, poetic alternative to "give birth".

produce offspring

A biological term for "giving birth", applicable to animals as well.

become a mother

Highlights the resulting state of motherhood after "giving birth".

be delivered of

A passive and slightly archaic way to say "give birth".

parturate

Technical and scientific term for "give birth", used mainly in veterinary and zoological contexts.

go into labor

Refers to the process leading up to "giving birth".

spawn

While technically meaning to produce offspring, usually used for fish or amphibians.

FAQs

What does it mean to "give birth"?

To "give birth" means to deliver offspring, typically a baby, from the uterus to the outside world. It's the culmination of pregnancy and the start of new life.

What are some other ways to say "give birth"?

Alternatives include "have a baby", "deliver a baby", or "bear a child", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "give birth" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In formal or scientific writing, "bear offspring" or "parturate" might be more suitable. In casual conversation, "have a baby" is perfectly fine.

Can the phrase "give birth" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "give birth" can be used metaphorically to describe the origin or creation of something new, such as an idea or a movement, but ensure the context is clear. For example, "The movement gave birth to a new era of social reform."