Differences between give away and give back
Give away means to give something as a gift or for free, while give back means to return something to its original owner or to repay a favor.
Meanings and Definitions: give away vs give back
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Give away
- 1Entrust your daughter to her husband through the marriage ceremony.
He GAVE his daughter AWAY and told the groom to look after her.
- 2Tell a secret, often unintentionally.
She didn't GIVE anything AWAY about the party so it came as a complete surprise to me.
- 3Distribute something for free.
In this issue of the magazine, they are giving away a free DVD.
- 4Give without asking for or expecting payment.
He decided to GIVE his new album AWAY in a magazine.
- 5Give an advantage to your opponent in a sport by making a mistake, playing badly, etc.
They GAVE AWAY two goals in the first half.
- 6Give an unwanted baby to people to bring up.
She had to GIVE her baby AWAY as she couldn't afford to bring it up.
- 7Betray, report to authorities.
The gang GAVE him AWAY to the police.
- 8Give a weight advantage to an opponent in boxing.
He is GIVING AWAY thirty pounds to the challenger.
Give back
- 1Return something you've borrowed.
I GAVE the money BACK that she'd lent to me.
- 2Return something that someone has lost.
Nothing could GIVE me BACK the way I felt before the scandal.
Usage Examples: give away, give back in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
give away
Example
The radio station is giving away concert tickets to the first caller.
Example
She gives away her old clothes to charity.
give back
Example
Please give back the book when you finish reading it.
Example
He always gives back the things he borrows.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give away
To give something to a charity or organization without expecting anything in return.
Example
She decided to donate all her old clothes to the local shelter.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give back
To bring something back to its original owner or place.
Example
He promised to return the book to the library by the end of the week.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “give”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in give away vs give back: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: give away or give back?
In daily conversation, people use give back more often than give away. This is because give back is used in many situations such as returning borrowed items or repaying a favor. Give away is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about donating something. So, while both phrases are used, give back is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give away and give back
Give away and give back are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of give away and give back
The tone of give away and give back can differ based on context. Give away often carries a generous or charitable tone when related to donating or gifting, while give back typically has a grateful or indebted tone, especially when referring to returning a favor or repaying a debt.
