Differences between give away and give out
Give away usually means to donate or give something for free, while give out generally means to distribute or hand out something.
Meanings and Definitions: give away vs give out
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 out
- 1Distribute.
Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground station.
- 2Stop working, through age or overuse.
I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at the weekend.
- 3Have no more of a supply.
The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.
- 4Make public.
They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
- 5Emit.
The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.
- 6End or finish somewhere.
The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.
- 7Make a sound or noise.
She GAVE OUT a moan.
- 8Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational singing.
He GAVE OUT the psalm.
Usage Examples: give away, give out 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 out
Example
The teacher will give out the test papers at the start of the class.
Example
She gives out free samples at the mall.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give away
To give something to a person 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 out
To give out or spread something among a group of people or places.
Example
The teacher had to distribute the test papers to all the students in the classroom.
To give or provide something officially, usually in the form of a document or statement.
Example
The government had to issue a warning to the public about the upcoming storm.
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 out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: give away or give out?
In daily conversation, people use give out more often than give away. This is because give out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as giving out papers or distributing flyers. 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 out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give away and give out
Give away and give out 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 out
The tone of give away and give out can differ based on context. Give away often carries a generous or charitable tone when related to donating, while give out typically has a practical and efficient tone, especially when referring to distributing materials or information.
