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give in — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
give in
1agree reluctantly2submit work

Meaning 1 · most common

agree reluctantly

  • give in to sb/sth

To finally agree to do something you did not want to do, usually after being pressured or persuaded.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

After hours of begging, her parents finally gave in and let her go to the party.

A: Are you still saying no to the trip?
B: I was, but I gave in. My friends convinced me.

Common mistake

Not: I gave in his request.

Say: I gave in to his request. / I gave in.

When you name what you yield to, use 'give in TO'; bare 'give in' takes no object.

More on “agree reluctantly”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, parents shouldn't always give in to their children's demands, as it can lead to bad habits.

Tell it apart

I gave in and let them stay.

  • stopped resisting

I gave up trying to stop them.

  • quit the effort altogether

Goes with

  • give in (to)
Practice saying this
Next meaning: submit work

Meaning 2

submit work

  • give in sth sth

To hand something (such as an assignment, report, or official document) to someone in authority, especially as required or expected.

How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Please give in your completed forms to the front desk by Friday.

A: Have you given in your essay yet?
B: Not yet, I still need to check the references before submitting it.

Common mistake

Not: I need to give in to my report tomorrow.

Say: I need to give in my report tomorrow.

This 'give in' (submit) takes no 'to' — 'give in TO' means yield to pressure, a different meaning.

More on “submit work”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Candidates are required to give in their answer sheets before leaving the examination hall.

Tell it apart

Give your essay in by Friday.

  • submit it — BrE

Don't give in to the pressure.

  • yield / surrender

Goes with

  • give in + work
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Test yourself: which one is it?

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agree reluctantlysubmit work