What are the definitions of “give yourself up to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Dedicate time, energy, etc, to something.
He GAVE himself UP TO his job.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give yourself up to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb give yourself up to is to dedicate or commit oneself fully to something, such as a task, activity, or cause. This often involves investing a significant amount of time, energy, or resources.
What are the different verb forms of “give yourself up to”?
| Root Verb | give yourself up to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives himself/herself up to |
| Present Participle | giving yourself up to |
| Simple Past | gave yourself up to |
| Past Participle | given yourself up to |
Example
She decided to give herself up to studying for the final exam.
Example
He gives himself up to his work every day.
Example
She is giving herself up to her passion for painting.
Example
Last year, he gave himself up to volunteering at the local shelter.
Example
She had given herself up to her studies, which resulted in excellent grades.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give yourself up 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 yourself up 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 herself up to her passion for music.
Example
He gave himself up to his work.
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 yourself up 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 herself up to her passion for music.
Example
He gave himself up to his work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give yourself up to”?
Good things to know
Does “give yourself up to” have an informal or formal tone?
Give yourself up to is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in written English or in formal speeches rather than in everyday conversation.
