What are the definitions of “give way”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Stop to allow vehicles to pass.
You must GIVE WAY at this junction.
- 2Collapse, break.
The dam GAVE WAY when the floods rose.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give way”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give way is to stop or move to one side to allow others to pass. For example, it is often used in traffic situations where one vehicle must stop to let another vehicle pass.
What are the different verb forms of “give way”?
| Root Verb | give way |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives way |
| Present Participle | giving way |
| Simple Past | gave way |
| Past Participle | given way |
Example
You must give way to pedestrians at the crosswalk.
Example
He always gives way to the elderly on the bus.
Example
She is giving way to the ambulance.
Example
Yesterday, I gave way to a cyclist on the road.
Example
The bridge had given way due to the heavy rain.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give way”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“give way” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The ice gave way under his weight.
Example
The old building gave way during the earthquake.
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 way” 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 ice gave way under his weight.
Example
The old building gave way during the earthquake.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give way”?
Good things to know
Does “give way” have an informal or formal tone?
Give way is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal contexts, it is often used to describe situations where something collapses or breaks. In informal contexts, it is commonly used in traffic situations to indicate that one must stop or move aside to let others pass.
