What are the definitions of “give way to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Yield, surrender, retreat.
Don't GIVE WAY TO your worst fears about this.
- 2Relinquish position or ascendancy.
Night GIVES WAY TO day.
- 3Be replaced by something better, cheaper, more modern, etc.
Cottage industries GAVE WAY TO the big companies.
- 4Allow a vehicle to pass in front.
You must GIVE WAY TO oncoming traffic.
- 5Surrender to strong emotions.
He GAVE WAY TO his anger and started screaming at them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give way to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give way to is to allow something else to happen or to let someone else go first. For example, it can mean letting a car pass on the road, allowing someone else to speak, or letting a new idea replace an old one.
What are the different verb forms of “give way to”?
| Root Verb | give way to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives way to |
| Present Participle | giving way to |
| Simple Past | gave way to |
| Past Participle | given way to |
Example
You should always give way to emergency vehicles on the road.
Example
The old tradition gives way to a new one.
Example
He is giving way to his anger.
Example
The wooden bridge gave way to a steel one.
Example
The old system has given way to a new one.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give way 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 way 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
The old tradition gave way to a new one.
Example
He gave way to his anger.
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 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
The old tradition gave way to a new one.
Example
He gave way to his anger.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give way to”?
Good things to know
Does “give way to” have an informal or formal tone?
Give way to is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it is often used to describe a change or transition, such as when an old system gives way to a new one. In everyday conversation, it is commonly used to talk about traffic rules, such as when drivers must give way to pedestrians.
