gives way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gives way' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used in the sense of something giving in or yielding to something else, for example, "When the police turned up, the suspect quickly gave way." You can also use it to refer to something being replaced by something else, such as "The old building gave way to a modern skyscraper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Benezema gives way to Higuain.

The New York Times

All my strength gives way.

Independent

May gives way to June.

The New York Times - Books

Finally, memory gives way".

The Guardian

Eventually, wishful thinking gives way to pragmatism.

The New York Times

Soon enough, principle gives way to pragmatism.

The New York Times - Arts

Animosity gives way to frustration.

The Guardian - Sport

Fear gives way to relief.

The Guardian

Marriage gives way to cohabitation.

The New York Times

Tarmac gives way to dirt.

The Guardian

Telecommuting gives way to irrigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives way" to indicate a shift in priorities or focus. For instance, "After the initial excitement, strategy typically gives way to immediate tactical needs."

Common error

Avoid using "gives way" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "The argument gives way to frustration", try "The argument causes frustration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives way" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a yielding, collapsing, or being replaced. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples, showing how it connects a subject with an action of yielding or transition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gives way" is a versatile verb phrase indicating yielding, collapsing, or being replaced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business writing. When using "gives way", consider the active voice alternatives and avoid misinterpretations of its passive nature. This phrase effectively describes transitions and the results of force or pressure in both physical and abstract scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yields

A more concise synonym focusing on the act of ceasing resistance.

succumbs

Implies a loss of resistance, often against a negative force.

is replaced by

Emphasizes the substitution of one thing for another.

transitions to

Focuses on a gradual shift or change in state.

gives in

Highlights the act of surrendering or conceding.

collapses

Suggests a sudden failure or breakdown.

falls apart

Indicates disintegration or a loss of cohesion.

is superseded by

Implies that something is outdated or no longer in use.

is overcome by

Suggests being defeated or overpowered.

relents

Implies a previously firm stance softening or becoming more forgiving.

FAQs

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

"Gives way" is used to describe something yielding or being replaced. For example, "The ice "gives way" under the weight" or "Winter "gives way" to spring."

What are some alternatives to "gives way"?

Alternatives include "yields", "succumbs", or "is replaced by", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "give way" instead of "gives way"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "give way" with plural subjects (e.g., "They give way") and "gives way" with singular subjects (e.g., "He gives way").

What's the difference between "gives way" and "gives in"?

"Gives way" often implies a physical yielding or a replacement, while "gives in" usually means surrendering or conceding to something, such as pressure or an argument.