give way

USAGE SUMMARY

"give way" is correct and usable in written English.
"Give way" means to yield, to retreat, or to step aside. It can be used in the context of a physical action, as in, "The car in front gave way, allowing me to pass." Or it can be used in the context of an argument, as in, "He refused to give way on the issue, even after hours of discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It might give way.

The Guardian - Arts

Pragmatic solutions will give way to politics.

The New York Times

Eventually, though, ideals give way to suffering.

The New York Times - Books

Sandpits give way to raised vegetable beds.

Independent

Mystery began to give way to mythology.

The New York Times - Arts

Charles XV was forced to give way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eventually, however, he had to give way.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mansions give way to clam shacks.

The New York Times - Travel

Novelty must give way to familiarity.

The New Yorker

Revolutions give way to their aftermaths.

The New York Times

"We're not going to give way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give way" in a traffic context, be explicit about who or what should yield. For example, instead of saying "You must give way", specify "You must give way to pedestrians".

Common error

Avoid using "give way" when a stronger term like "collapse" or "surrender" is more appropriate. "Give way" often implies a gradual yielding, not a sudden or forceful event.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "give way" functions primarily as a verb indicating yielding, collapsing, or according precedence. Ludwig highlights its versatility across contexts. Examples include physical structures (the door was starting to give way) and metaphorical situations (ideals give way to suffering).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give way" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, including yielding, collapsing, and according precedence. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical status is correct and it is very common across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, the specific context determines its precise meaning and impact. When using "give way", consider who or what is yielding and the specific nature of the yielding action. Remembering that "give way" is adaptable helps you convey a more appropriate yielding action in a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give in

A more direct synonym, implying surrender or ceasing resistance. Closer to the direct meaning of "give way".

yield

Conveys the sense of surrendering or conceding, similar to "give way" but often implies a more formal or strategic decision.

collapse

Focuses on the physical aspect of something breaking down, akin to one sense of "give way".

cave in

Suggests yielding to pressure or demands, often with a negative connotation of weakness.

succumb

Implies surrendering to pressure or temptation, similar to "give way" in certain persuasive contexts.

break down

Highlights the physical or emotional aspect of failing, similar to the failing meaning of "give way".

defer

Indicates yielding to another's judgment or authority, providing a more polite tone than "give way" in specific situations.

relent

Suggests softening or becoming more lenient after initial resistance, akin to "give way" after initial opposition.

make concessions

Focuses on compromising or yielding on specific points, relating to "give way" in the context of negotiations or disputes.

allow passage

Specifically refers to allowing something or someone to pass, similar to "give way" in a traffic context.

FAQs

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

You can use "give way" to indicate yielding or surrendering, as in "The old bridge started to "give way" under the weight of the truck" or to indicate according precedence to other road users, as in "At a roundabout, you must "give way" to traffic already on the roundabout".

What's a synonym for "give way"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "yield", "collapse", or "defer" instead of "give way".

What does "give way" mean in driving?

In driving, "give way" means to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians. It requires you to slow down or stop if necessary to allow them to proceed safely.

When should I use "give way" instead of "give in"?

"Give way" often implies a gradual yielding or a physical yielding, while "give in" suggests surrendering to pressure or persuasion. For example, a structure might ""give way"" under stress, but a person might "give in" to an argument.