Phrasal verbs "give up" vs "let up"

Differences between give up and let up

Give up means to stop doing something that you have been doing regularly or trying to do, while let up means to decrease in intensity or relent.

Meanings and Definitions: give up vs let up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Give up

  • 1Stop doing something that has been a habit.

    I GAVE UP taking sugar in tea and coffee to lose weight.

  • 2Stop being friendly, end relationships.

    She GAVE UP all her school friends when she went to university.

  • 3Stop doing something.

    I have GIVEN UP trying to help them.

  • 4Surrender, stop trying.

    I can't think of the answer; I GIVE UP.

  • 5Sacrifice or dedicate time, etc, to something.

    I GAVE UP all my free time to the project.

  • 6Allow someone to sit in your chair, take your place, etc.

    I GAVE UP my seat to a pregnant woman.

  • 7Allow or give away a run while pitching ( baseball ).

    He has GIVEN UP 14 earned runs in 14 innings.

Let up

  • 1To continue without stopping or becoming less intense.

    She’s a coach who never lets up on her players.

Usage Examples: give up, let up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

give up

Example

I decided to give up eating junk food.

Example

She gives up too easily when things get tough.

let up

Example

I hope the rain lets up soon.

Example

The storm lets up after a few hours.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Give up

To stop doing something that you have been doing regularly or trying to do.

Example

After years of smoking, he finally decided to quit and improve his health.

To leave behind or give up on something or someone.

Example

She had to abandon her plans for the weekend due to unexpected work commitments.

To give up or surrender in a situation where success seems unlikely.

Example

After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the towel and move on to a different project.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Let up

To decrease in intensity or relent.

Example

After a long day at work, the rain finally eased off and he was able to enjoy a peaceful evening at home.

To become less tight or tense.

Example

He had to slacken his grip on the rope to avoid injuring his hands during the climb.

To become less tense or anxious.

Example

After finishing the exam, she was finally able to relax and enjoy her weekend.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “let”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in give up vs let up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: give up or let up?

In daily conversation, people use give up more often than let up. This is because give up is used for more common situations such as quitting a job or stopping a bad habit. Let up is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about weather or physical sensations. So, while both phrases are used, give up is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of give up and let up

Give up and let up 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 up and let up

The tone of give up and let up can differ based on context. Give up often carries a sense of defeat or resignation, while let up typically has a sense of relief or relaxation.

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