What are the definitions of “give over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop doing something bad or annoying.
They were making a lot of noise so I told them to GIVE OVER.
- 2Entrust, pass on responsibility.
We've GIVEN the premises OVER to the new company.
- 3Stop an activity.
The police told the rioters to GIVE OVER.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give over is to stop doing something, especially something that is annoying or undesirable. It is often used when someone wants another person to stop a certain behavior or action.
What are the different verb forms of “give over”?
| Root Verb | give over |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives over |
| Present Participle | giving over |
| Simple Past | gave over |
| Past Participle | given over |
Example
Can you please give over? You're being too loud.
Example
He always gives over when his mom asks him to stop playing video games.
Example
She is giving over her bad habit of biting her nails.
Example
They gave over their argument when they realized it was pointless.
Example
The noise has finally given over and I can concentrate on my work.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give over”?
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 over” 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 over her annoying habit of interrupting people.
Example
He gave the responsibility over to his colleague.
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 over” 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 over her annoying habit of interrupting people.
Example
He gave the responsibility over to his colleague.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give over”?
Good things to know
Does “give over” have an informal or formal tone?
Give over is a phrasal verb that is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when asking someone to stop doing something. However, it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business or legal contexts, when discussing the transfer of responsibilities or control.
