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give up — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
give up
stop tryingquit a habitsurrender to authorities

Meaning 1 · most common

stop trying

  • give up sth sth
A scene showing “give up” meaning “stop trying”.

To stop making an effort to do something because it is too difficult or seems impossible.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After several failed attempts, she decided to give up learning the guitar.

A: This puzzle is so hard!
B: Don't give up yet—you’re almost there.

Common mistake

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.

More on “stop trying”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I used to find English listening exercises very difficult, but I didn’t give up. I kept practicing until I improved.

Tell it apart

I gave up after three tries.

  • stopped trying — defeat

I gave up chocolate for a month.

  • quit a habit on purpose

Goes with

  • give up + manner
Practice saying this
Next meaning: quit a habit

Meaning 2

quit a habit

  • give up sth
A scene showing “give up” meaning “quit a habit”.

To stop doing something that you do regularly, especially something unhealthy or unwanted.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He gave up smoking last year and feels much healthier now.

A: Are you still drinking coffee every morning?
B: No, I gave it up a few months ago.

Common mistake

Not: I gave up to smoke.

Say: I gave up smoking.

'Give up' + -ing for a habit, not a to-infinitive.

More on “quit a habit”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many people try to give up unhealthy habits, but it can be very challenging without support.

Tell it apart

I gave up smoking.

  • quit a habit — a good thing

I gave up halfway through.

  • stopped trying — couldn't finish

Goes with

  • give up + habit
Practice saying this
Next meaning: surrender to authorities

Meaning 3

surrender to authorities

  • give yourself/sb up to sb
A scene showing “give up” meaning “surrender to authorities”.

To formally surrender oneself or someone else to the police or another authority, often after being sought or pursued.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After weeks on the run, the suspect finally gave himself up to the police.

A: Did they ever catch the hacker?
B: No, but he gave himself up last night after realising he had no way out.

Common mistake

Not: He gave up to the police.

Say: He gave himself up to the police.

This sense needs a reflexive object: 'give yourself/himself up'. Bare 'give up' means quit.

More on “surrender to authorities”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In some cases, fugitives choose to give themselves up rather than face the stress of constant pursuit.

Tell it apart

He gave himself up after a week on the run.

  • surrendered to police

He gave up smoking last year.

  • quit

Goes with

  • give + oneself + up
Practice saying this
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stop tryingquit a habitsurrender to authorities