Differences between give over! and watch over

Give over! is an expression used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or irritating, whereas watch over means to keep an eye on someone or something to ensure their safety or well-being.

Meanings and Definitions: give over! vs watch over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Give over!

1An expression of disbelief.
They've doubled your salary- GIVE OVER!

Watch over

1Keep an eye on something or someone to check that there's no trouble.
The lecturer WATCHED OVER the students as they did the experiment.

Usage Examples: give over!, watch over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

give over!

Example

When he told me he won the lottery, I said, 'Give over!'

Example

When she said she met a celebrity, he said, 'Gives over!'

watch over

Example

The lifeguard watches over the swimmers at the beach.

Example

She watches over her younger siblings when their parents are away.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give over!

cut it out

To stop doing something annoying or irritating.

Example

I wish you would cut it out with the constant tapping of your pen.

knock it off

To stop doing something annoying or irritating.

Example

Please knock it off with the loud music. I'm trying to study.

quit it

To stop doing something annoying or irritating.

Example

Can you quit it with the constant complaining? It's getting on my nerves.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Watch over

keep an eye on

To watch or monitor someone or something closely.

Example

Could you keep an eye on my dog while I run to the store?

look after

To take care of or be responsible for someone or something.

Example

I need to look after my little sister while my parents are out of town.

take care of

To look after or attend to someone or something's needs.

Example

I'll take care of the kids while you go to your doctor's appointment.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “give”

Phrasal Verbs with “watch”

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

Differences in give over! vs watch over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: give over! or watch over?

In daily conversation, people use watch over more often than give over!. This is because watch over is used in a variety of situations such as babysitting, pet-sitting, or monitoring a sick family member. Give over! is not used as much and may be considered slightly old-fashioned. It's mainly used when we're annoyed with someone's behavior. So, while both phrases are used, watch over is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give over! and watch over

Give over! and watch over 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 over! and watch over

The tone of give over! and watch over can differ based on context. Give over! often carries a frustrated or exasperated tone when related to stopping annoying behavior, while watch over typically has a caring and responsible tone, especially when referring to looking after someone or something.

give over! & watch over: Synonyms and Antonyms

Give over!

Synonyms

yeah right!
you're kidding!
pull the other one!
you're pulling my leg!
get out of here!
no way!
i don't believe it!
you must be joking!

Antonyms

i believe you
that's believable
that's credible
i trust you
that's likely
that's plausible

Watch over

Synonyms

supervise
monitor
guard
protect
observe
oversee
look after
keep an eye on

Antonyms