Meaning trap
give up
stop trying
To stop making an effort to do something because it is too difficult or seems impossible.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To stop making an effort to do something because it is too difficult or seems impossible.
Another meaning of 'give up' is 'quit a habit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After several failed attempts, she decided to give up learning the guitar.
I used to find English listening exercises very difficult, but I didn’t give up. I kept practicing until I improved.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Don't give up to try.
Say: Don't give up. / Don't stop trying.
'Give up' is usually used alone or with -ing; 'give up to try' is not English.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Give up' is the natural verb for stopping out of difficulty; 'relinquished my efforts' is melodramatic.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
give up + manner
- too easily
- on it
- halfway
- hope
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- give up (quit a habit) — Another meaning of 'give up' is 'quit a habit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.