give in

USAGE SUMMARY

"give in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a verb phrase used to express the action of being defeated or accepting something, often reluctantly. For example: "After a lengthy argument, I finally gave in and agreed to her terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They never give in".

The New York Times

We didn't give in".

Independent

"They won't give in".

The New York Times

He doesn't give in".

The New York Times - Sports

"They refused to give in".

The New York Times - Sports

"Our kids wouldn't give in".

The New York Times - Sports

Doctors give in too easily.

The New York Times

So should Democrats give in?

The New York Times

"Never give in, never give in, never give in.

The New York Times

Just give in".

The New York Times

They don't give in".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give in" when you want to emphasize the act of relenting or yielding after a period of resistance or unwillingness. For instance, "After hours of negotiation, the company finally gave in to the union's demands."

Common error

Avoid using "give in" interchangeably with phrases like "give up" or "give away." While they all involve relinquishing something, "give in" specifically implies yielding to pressure or persuasion, whereas "give up" means to abandon an effort and "give away" means to donate.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "give in" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing its usage to describe the act of ceasing resistance or yielding to pressure, as demonstrated in several examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give in" is a commonly used phrasal verb that signifies yielding, surrendering, or ceasing resistance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in informal writing like wikis. While synonyms like "yield" and "surrender" exist, "give in" often implies a reluctant concession after some form of resistance. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure it appropriately conveys the intended meaning of relenting or submitting. Remember not to confuse it with "give up" or "give away".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yield

This single word replacement directly conveys the action of ceasing resistance and surrendering.

surrender

Implies a more formal or complete cessation of resistance, often in a conflict.

capitulate

Suggests a complete and unconditional surrender, often after prolonged resistance.

succumb

Emphasizes the act of being overcome by pressure or temptation.

acquiesce

Implies a passive acceptance or agreement without protest.

cave in

Informal way to say "give in" - suggests collapsing under pressure.

bow down

Emphasizes submission to a superior force or authority.

submit

Highlights acceptance of authority or control.

defer

Suggests yielding to another's judgment or opinion.

throw in the towel

Idiomatic expression indicating abandonment of a struggle.

FAQs

How can I use "give in" in a sentence?

You can use "give in" to describe the act of ceasing resistance or argument, such as: "I didn't want to watch that movie, but I finally "gave in" to my friend's request."

What is a good alternative to "give in"?

Alternatives to "give in" include "yield", "surrender", or "capitulate" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to "give in" or "give up"?

Whether to "give in" or "give up" depends on the situation. "Give in" implies conceding to a specific demand or pressure, while "give up" means abandoning an effort altogether. If further negotiation is possible "giving in" could be a better approach.

What does it mean to "never give in"?

To "never give in" means to remain steadfast and resolute, refusing to surrender or yield despite challenges or opposition. This phrase is often used to encourage persistence and determination.