to give up

USAGE SUMMARY

"to give up" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing giving something up, such as quitting an activity or giving up a hope or dream. For example, "After years of trying, she finally decided to give up and accept that she would never become a professional dancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He seemed to give up.

The New Yorker

It is too soon to give up.

The New York Times

He simply refuses to give up.

Independent

It's very easy to give up.

The New York Times

Nobody expects America to give up spying.

The Economist

I was about to give up.

The New York Times - Sports

We're not going to give up.

The New Yorker

Who is there not to give up?

The New York Times - Sports

I wasn't going to give up.

The New York Times - Sports

I am not going to give up.

Independent

"You're going to give up some runs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to give up", clearly state what is being relinquished to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm going to give up", specify "I'm going to give up trying to fix the car".

Common error

Avoid using "to give up" without a clear indication of what is being abandoned. Vague statements can confuse the reader. Always specify the object or activity being given up.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to give up" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of ceasing effort, surrendering, or relinquishing something. Ludwig examples show its application in contexts ranging from personal determination to broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to give up" is a highly versatile phrasal verb used to express the cessation of effort or belief. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from personal struggles to broader societal challenges. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to provide context on what is being relinquished to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "to quit" or "to relinquish" for more precise or formal expression. Remember, the key is to ensure clarity and specificity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to quit

This is a more direct and informal way of saying to stop doing something.

to throw in the towel

An idiomatic expression meaning to admit defeat.

to surrender

Implies conceding defeat or yielding to an opponent or force.

to give in

Indicates yielding to pressure or persuasion.

to abandon

Suggests leaving something behind, often permanently or unexpectedly.

to back down

Suggests retreating from a position or argument.

to relinquish

A more formal term for giving up control or possession.

to waive

Implies voluntarily giving up a right or claim.

to cease

Implies a formal or definitive stopping of an action or process.

to forsake

Suggests abandoning something cherished or important.

FAQs

How can I use "to give up" in a sentence?

You can use "to give up" to express the act of ceasing to do or believe in something, such as "I'm not going "to give up" on my dreams" or "He decided "to give up" smoking".

What are some alternatives to "to give up"?

Some alternatives include "to quit", "to surrender", "to abandon", or "to relinquish" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "gave up on"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Gave up on" is a common phrasal verb construction, such as in the sentence "She gave up on her old car".

When is it appropriate to use "to give up" in formal writing?

While "to give up" is generally suitable for most contexts, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "to relinquish" or "to waive" when discussing rights or claims. Otherwise, it is completely acceptable.