What are the definitions of “give up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Lose faith in or stop believing in something or someone.
I GAVE UP ON them when I heard what they were saying about me behind my back.
- 2Stop feeling hope.
I have GIVEN UP ON them; they never do what they promise.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give up on is to stop believing in something or someone, often because of repeated disappointments or failures. For example, it can mean losing faith in a person, a project, or even a dream.
What are the different verb forms of “give up on”?
| Root Verb | give up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives up on |
| Present Participle | giving up on |
| Simple Past | gave up on |
| Past Participle | given up on |
Example
I will not give up on my dream of becoming a writer.
Example
She gives up on people too easily.
Example
He is giving up on his plan to start a business.
Example
They gave up on the project after many failed attempts.
Example
I have given up on trying to convince him.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give up on”?
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 up on” 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 up on her dream of becoming a singer.
Example
He gave up on his plan to travel the world.
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 up on” 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 up on her dream of becoming a singer.
Example
He gave up on his plan to travel the world.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give up on”?
Good things to know
Does “give up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Give up on is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. In formal contexts, synonyms such as 'abandon' or 'desist from' might be more appropriate.
