What are the definitions of “give it to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise harshly or punish someone for something.
They really GAVE IT TO me for forgetting to turn up.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give it to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give it to is to criticize someone harshly or punish someone for something. It is often used when someone is very angry and wants to express their anger or disappointment.
What are the different verb forms of “give it to”?
| Root Verb | give it to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives it to |
| Present Participle | giving it to |
| Simple Past | gave it to |
| Past Participle | given it to |
Example
If you don't finish your homework, the teacher will give it to you.
Example
She always gives it to him when he forgets to do his chores.
Example
He is giving it to her for not following the rules.
Example
Yesterday, the coach gave it to the team for their poor performance.
Example
She had given it to him for his careless mistakes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give it to”?
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 it 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 boss gave it to me for coming late to the meeting.
Example
My parents gave it to me for not doing well in the exam.
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 it 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 boss gave it to me for coming late to the meeting.
Example
My parents gave it to me for not doing well in the exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give it to”?
Good things to know
Does “give it to” have an informal or formal tone?
Give it to is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in spoken English or casual writing. It is not typically used in formal or professional settings. For example, instead of saying 'The boss gave it to me for coming late to the meeting', in a formal setting, you might say 'The boss reprimanded me for my tardiness.'
