What are the definitions of “give away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give away is to give something to someone without asking for or expecting payment. It can also mean to distribute something for free. For example, a company might give away free samples of a new product to attract customers.
What are the different verb forms of “give away”?
| Root Verb | give away |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives away |
| Present Participle | giving away |
| Simple Past | gave away |
| Past Participle | given away |
Example
The radio station is giving away concert tickets to the first caller.
Example
She gives away her old clothes to charity.
Example
He is giving away his old books to the library.
Example
They gave away all the leftover food after the party.
Example
The prizes have already been given away.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“give away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She gave away her old clothes to charity.
Example
He gave his old books away to the library.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“give away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She gave away her old clothes to charity.
Example
He gave his old books away to the library.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give away”?
Good things to know
Does “give away” have an informal or formal tone?
Give away is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, synonyms such as 'donate' or 'distribute' might be preferred. In everyday conversation, give away is commonly used.
