What are the definitions of “give over to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dedicate, devote.
He GAVE himself OVER TO finding his son.
- 2Transfer responsibility.
After her death, they GAVE control of the estate OVER TO her niece.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give over to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give over to is to dedicate or devote oneself or something to a cause or person. It can also mean to transfer responsibility or control of something to someone else.
What are the different verb forms of “give over to”?
| Root Verb | give over to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives over to |
| Present Participle | giving over to |
| Simple Past | gave over to |
| Past Participle | given over to |
Example
She decided to give over to her passion for painting and quit her job.
Example
He gives over to his studies every evening.
Example
They are giving over to the preparation for the big event.
Example
Yesterday, he gave over to his desire for a nap in the afternoon.
Example
The old building was given over to the community for use as a library.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give over 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 over 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
She gave her time over to volunteering at the local shelter.
Example
They gave control of the company over to their son.
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 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
She gave her time over to volunteering at the local shelter.
Example
They gave control of the company over to their son.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give over to”?
Good things to know
Does “give over to” have an informal or formal tone?
Give over to is a phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations as well as in more formal settings such as business meetings or legal documents. For example, in a business context, one might give control over to a new CEO. In a legal context, a person might give their property over to a trust.
