giving way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "giving way" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate that something is yielding or surrendering, either to pressure or to another entity. For example, "We eventually gave way to the other team's demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The center was giving way.

The New York Times

His battered body was giving way.

The New York Times - Books

And that sinkhole is giving way.

The New York Times

"Alchemy was giving way to chemistry.

The New York Times

The structural supports were giving way.

The New York Times

But the reticence is giving way.

The New York Times

Shock is finally giving way to rage.

The New Yorker

The past giving way to the future.

The Guardian - Arts

Nobody was giving way – £65, £70.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instead, it was one thumper giving way to the next.

The New York Times - Arts

The ground is giving way beneath its economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "giving way" to describe a gradual yielding or replacement, rather than a sudden or abrupt change.

Common error

While versatile, "giving way" can sound less precise in highly formal or technical writing. Consider stronger verbs like 'yielding', 'surrendering' or 'being replaced' to better fit specific situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "giving way" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing action of yielding, collapsing, or being replaced. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, from physical structures to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "giving way" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase signifying yielding, collapsing, or being superseded. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider context and opt for more precise alternatives like "yielding" or "being replaced" in formal writing. As a reminder, the continuous form signals an ongoing process while the base form (“give way”) is more suitable for general statements. Examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times highlight the phrase's adaptability in conveying various nuances of change and transition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

giving in

Emphasizes compliance or submission to pressure or demands.

yielding

This single-word alternative is more concise but lacks the nuanced sense of ongoing action or process.

surrendering

Implies a more forceful or deliberate act of yielding, often in a conflict or competition.

collapsing

Implies a sudden and often catastrophic failure of structure or resistance.

succumbing

Suggests a more passive yielding, often to something negative or unavoidable.

being replaced

Focuses on the aspect of substitution rather than the act of yielding itself.

deteriorating

Focuses on the declining condition or quality leading to failure.

making concessions

Highlights the act of giving up something in a negotiation or compromise.

disintegrating

Suggests a breaking apart or falling into pieces.

backing down

Suggests retreating from a position or argument.

FAQs

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

The phrase "giving way" is used to describe something that is yielding, collapsing, or being replaced. For example: 'The old bridge was "giving way" under the weight of the traffic'.

What are some alternatives to "giving way"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "yielding", "collapsing", "surrendering", or "being replaced".

Is "giving way" formal or informal?

"Giving way" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally considered more neutral. In more formal settings, consider using synonyms such as "yielding" or "succumbing".

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

"Giving way" is the continuous form of the verb phrase "give way", suggesting an ongoing process of yielding or collapsing. "Give way" is the base form, used for general statements or commands. For example, 'The ice is "giving way"' (continuous) vs 'Cars must "give way" to pedestrians' (general rule).