What are the definitions of “give out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Distribute.
Somebody was GIVING leaflets OUT in front of the underground station.
- 2Stop working, through age or overuse.
I'd been having trouble with my laptop and it finally GAVE OUT at the weekend.
- 3Have no more of a supply.
The water GAVE OUT after a week in the desert.
- 4Make public.
They GAVE the names of the winners OUT last night.
- 5Emit.
The factory GIVES OUT a lot of fumes.
- 6End or finish somewhere.
The path GIVES OUT halfway around the lake.
- 7Make a sound or noise.
She GAVE OUT a moan.
- 8Read the wordings of a hymn or psalm aloud for congregational singing.
He GAVE OUT the psalm.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give out is to distribute something. This could be anything from leaflets, flyers, or even food. For example, a person might give out leaflets in front of a store or a teacher might give out homework to students.
What are the different verb forms of “give out”?
| Root Verb | give out |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives out |
| Present Participle | giving out |
| Simple Past | gave out |
| Past Participle | given out |
Example
The teacher will give out the test papers at the start of the class.
Example
She gives out free samples at the mall.
Example
He is giving out flyers for the new restaurant.
Example
They gave out food to the homeless last Christmas.
Example
The awards have already been given out to the winners.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give out”?
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 out” 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 charity gave out blankets to the homeless.
Example
She gave the leaflets out to the passersby.
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 out” 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 charity gave out blankets to the homeless.
Example
She gave the leaflets out to the passersby.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give out”?
To provide or share information.
Example
The police gave out information about the missing person.
Good things to know
Does “give out” have an informal or formal tone?
Give out is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, it might be used to describe the distribution of official documents or awards. In an informal context, it could be used to describe handing out party invitations or sharing food.
