What does the phrasal verb “give in to” mean?

What are the definitions of “give in to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Agree to something you don't like.

  The government says it will not GIVE IN TO terrorists.

• 2. Allow a feeling or desire to control you.

  Eventually, I GAVE IN TO my anger and screamed at them.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give in to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give in to is to agree to something that you don't like or want, often after a period of resistance. It can also mean to allow a feeling or desire to control you, even if you know it's not the best decision.

What are the different verb forms of “give in to”?

Root Verb	give in to
Third Person Singular Present	gives in to
Present Participle	giving in to
Simple Past	gave in to
Past Participle	given in to

Example

I don't want to give in to his demands.

Example

She always gives in to her cravings for sweets.

Example

He is giving in to the pressure from his parents.

Example

Yesterday, they gave in to their desire to buy a new car.

Example

I have given in to temptation and eaten the cake.

What kind of phrasal verb is “give in to”?

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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 in to” 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

The government says it will not give in to terrorists.

Example

Eventually, I gave in to my anger and screamed at them.

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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 in to” 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

The government says it will not give in to terrorists.

Example

Eventually, I gave in to my anger and screamed at them.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give in to”?

Give in to pressure

To agree to do something because of pressure from others.

Example

Despite the protests, the council gave in to pressure and approved the construction.

Give in to temptation

To do something that you want to do, even though you know it might be wrong.

Example

I gave in to temptation and ate the last piece of cake.

Give in to demands

To agree to someone's demands, often after a period of resistance.

Example

The company finally gave in to the workers' demands for better pay.

Good things to know

Does “give in to” have an informal or formal tone?

Give in to is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech or writing. For example, in a formal setting, one might use 'accede to' or 'yield to' instead of 'give in to'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “give in to”?

Synonyms

• surrender to
• yield to
• submit to
• capitulate to
• concede to
• bow to
• accede to
• comply with
• cave in to
• knuckle under to

Antonyms

• oppose
• fight
• confront
• challenge
• counter
• withstand
• refuse
• resist
• defy
• stand up to