give suck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give suck" is not correct in standard written English and is considered archaic or poetic.
It can be used in a literary or historical context, often referring to the act of breastfeeding or nurturing. Example: "The mother was known to give suck to her child with great tenderness."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, [that is] for those [parents] who desire to complete the term of suckling".

The Guardian - Opinion

Meant to evoke the blunt, incantatory poetry of the ancients, it is too often clunky, and full of infelicities like "So the doctor cuts/episiotomally/upon a thing I give suck," and expressions like "pustulating desperation" and "quotidian functionality".

The New York Times

And she'd taken his hands and kissed them,and brought them against her breasts that were aching like thebreasts of a young mother ravenous to give suck,and sustenance.

The New Yorker

Every mammy across His glory land give suck to the infant and they look up in the shining eyes and smile every young one.

Huffington Post

The mothers shall give suck to their offspring (breastfeed) for two whole years.

Global health, science and practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Puritans found milk divine: even the Good Book gave suck.

The New Yorker

Late in the novel, she evokes Luke 23:29: "Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bear, and the breasts that never gave suck.

The New York Times - Books

We know that Lady Macbeth had at least one child ("I have given suck," she says), so where is it now?

The New Yorker

The idea probably comes from Lady Macbeth's lines "I have given suck, and know/How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me," words that have been much puzzled over and variously interpreted.

The New York Times

I had particular trouble, while breastfeeding, with Lady Macbeth, who constantly murmured "I have given suck and know/How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me …", needing to be cut off sharpish before I was tempted to dwell needing to be bitten off sharpish before the baby-smashing resolution came jolting along behind.

The Guardian - Books

Lady Macbeth goads and drives on her wavering husband to fulfil the destiny she insists is his: I have given suck, and know How tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, Have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, And dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you Have done to this.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "give suck" in contemporary writing. Opt for more common and readily understood terms like "breastfeed" or "nurse".

Common error

Using "give suck" in modern contexts can sound archaic or unnatural. While it might be appropriate in historical fiction or poetry, it is generally not suitable for everyday conversation or formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give suck" functions as a verb phrase describing the act of breastfeeding. Ludwig suggests that the phrase is not correct in standard written English and is considered archaic, which is reflected in its infrequent modern usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "give suck" is an archaic expression meaning to breastfeed. While examples can be found in various sources, including News & Media and scientific texts, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not correct in standard written English and is rarely used in modern contexts. Therefore, it is generally advisable to opt for more contemporary alternatives like "breastfeed" or "nurse". Its usage is more suited for historical or literary contexts where an older tone is desired. If in doubt, consider using a more common phrase to ensure clarity and avoid sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Breastfeed

A more common and contemporary term for feeding a baby from the breast.

Feed from the breast

A more descriptive and explicit alternative.

Nurse

A general term for breastfeeding, also applicable to bottle-feeding.

Nourish at the breast

Similar to "feed from the breast" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Suckle

A more archaic term, similar in meaning but less frequently used than "breastfeed".

Give milk

A simpler, more direct way to express the act of providing breast milk.

Lactate

Refers to the physiological process of producing milk, rather than the act of feeding.

Wet-nurse

To breastfeed a child that is not one's own, typically for payment.

Provide nourishment

A broader term encompassing various methods of feeding and nurturing.

Sustain with milk

Emphasizes the life-sustaining aspect of breastfeeding.

FAQs

What does "give suck" mean?

The phrase "give suck" means to breastfeed or nurse a baby. It is an older, less common way of expressing the act of providing milk from the breast to an infant.

Is it correct to say "give suck" in modern English?

While grammatically understandable, "give suck" is considered archaic. Modern alternatives like "breastfeed" or "nurse" are more appropriate for contemporary usage.

What are some alternatives to "give suck"?

You can use "breastfeed", "nurse", "suckle", or "lactate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Breastfeed" and "nurse" are the most common and widely understood options.

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "give suck"?

You're most likely to find "give suck" in older literature, historical texts, or religious contexts. It is rarely used in modern conversation or writing outside of deliberate stylistic choices.