give someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are providing something to a person. Example: "I will give someone a call to discuss the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Give someone else a chance.

The New York Times - Sports

Give someone a kiss.

The Guardian - Music

"You should never give someone false hope.

Independent

Give someone else a go!

The Guardian - Books

You give someone enough rope...

The New York Times - Sports

I'd give someone three chances.

The Guardian

It's a beautiful gift to give someone.

The Guardian - Sport

"You want to give someone a raise?

The New York Times

"Why wouldn't you give someone who's being pursued refugee status?

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the most effective way to give someone a concussion".

The New York Times - Sports

"You can't just arbitrarily give someone else your trouble".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give someone", ensure that the object being given is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "give someone a compliment" is clearer than simply "give someone."

Common error

Avoid using "give someone" when a more specific verb would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "give someone information", consider "tell someone" or "inform someone" to add precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "give someone" is as a transitive verb phrase. It requires both a direct object (what is being given) and an indirect object (the recipient). Ludwig provides ample examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give someone" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a transitive verb phrase, it effectively communicates the act of transferring something to another person, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI underscores that "give someone" is grammatically sound, widely accepted, and adaptable to numerous contexts. While its formality is generally neutral, selecting more precise verbs like "offer", "provide", or "grant" can enhance clarity depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. From news articles to casual conversations, understanding the proper usage of "give someone" ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer someone

Replaces "give" with "offer", focusing on the act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

provide someone with

Emphasizes the act of supplying or making something available to someone.

grant someone

Suggests a more formal or official act of giving, often implying permission or privilege.

bestow upon someone

Implies a ceremonial or honorific act of giving.

award someone

Suggests giving something as a recognition of merit or achievement.

hand someone

Focuses on the physical act of transferring something to someone's hand.

present someone with

Highlights the act of formally introducing or offering something to someone.

supply someone with

Emphasizes the provision of necessary items or resources.

furnish someone with

Similar to "supply", but often used in the context of providing equipment or resources.

accord someone

Suggests giving respect, treatment, or status to someone.

FAQs

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

The phrase "give someone" is used to indicate providing something to another person. For instance, "I will give someone a call later today", or "Give someone a chance to explain themselves."

What are some alternatives to "give someone"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "offer someone", "provide someone with", or "hand someone".

Is it grammatically correct to say "give to someone" instead of "give someone"?

While "give to someone" isn't incorrect, "give someone" is more concise and commonly used. The latter directly takes the recipient as the indirect object.

What's the difference between "lend someone" and "give someone"?

"Lend someone" implies a temporary transfer with the expectation of return, while "give someone" means a permanent transfer without expecting anything back.