given up on

USAGE SUMMARY

"given up on" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that someone has stopped trying to do or achieve something, usually due to lack of hope or confidence. For example, "After multiple failed attempts, he had given up on his dream of becoming an astronaut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jack's given up on that.

The New York Times

Others have given up on politics.

The New York Times

They have given up on real estate.

The New York Times

I had almost given up on it.

The New York Times

(I've rather given up on those).

Independent

I haven't given up on music.

The New York Times

She's given up on him".

The Guardian

They haven't given up on politics, evidently.

The New York Times

Ms. Bonvouloir hasn't given up on Zerona.

The New York Times

He hasn't given up on getting justice.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I haven't given up [on England].

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clarifies what exactly the subject has "given up on". This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the specific area of abandonment.

Common error

Avoid using "given up on" when the intention is only a temporary pause or break. "Given up on" indicates a more permanent cessation of effort or belief, not just a temporary change of pace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given up on" functions as a phrasal verb indicating the cessation of effort or belief in something. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility in expressing abandonment of hope or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given up on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb that indicates the cessation of effort or belief. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, always specify what has been "given up on", and avoid using it for temporary pauses rather than complete abandonment. Consider alternatives like "lost faith in" or "abandoned hope for" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoned hope for

Highlights the relinquishing of hope, adding an emotional dimension.

stopped believing in

Directly indicates the end of belief, differing slightly in connotation from abandoning an effort.

written off

Implies a final decision that something is a failure or loss.

lost faith in

Emphasizes a loss of belief or trust, rather than just stopping an effort.

despaired of

Conveys a stronger sense of hopelessness and discouragement.

no longer hopeful about

Indicates a lack of optimism, rather than necessarily ceasing effort.

resigned myself to

Implies acceptance of a negative outcome, rather than active abandonment.

ceased to pursue

Focuses on the termination of active pursuit, which can be more formal.

washed my hands of

Suggests a complete detachment and disavowal of responsibility.

renounced

Implies a formal or official rejection, making it a stronger term.

FAQs

How can I use "given up on" in a sentence?

The phrase "given up on" indicates that someone has stopped believing in or trying to achieve something. For example, "After many failures, he had "given up on" his dream of becoming a professional athlete."

What's the difference between "given up on" and "abandoned"?

"Given up on" implies a loss of hope or effort, while "abandoned" suggests a more deliberate act of leaving something or someone behind. You might "given up on" a project due to difficulty, but abandon a sinking ship.

What are some alternatives to "given up on"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "lost faith in", "stopped believing in", or "abandoned hope for" as alternatives to "given up on".

Is "given up on" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "given up on" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "ceased to pursue" for a more sophisticated tone.