Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Give Up'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'give up' means to cease making an effort, admit defeat, or stop a habitual activity or belief in the face of adversity.

Examples in context

Despite numerous setbacks, the researchers refused to give up their groundbreaking study.
After years of trying, she finally gave up her ambition to become a concert pianist.
Many athletes consider giving up before reaching their ultimate goals.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'give up' means to cease making an effort, admit defeat, or stop a habitual activity or belief in the face of adversity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between 'give' and 'up'.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal settings.

Transitive

Yes

'Give up' requires a direct object, typically an action or task.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	give up	I often give up too easily.
Past Simple	gave up	She gave up on the project last month.
Present Continuous	giving up	They are giving up smoking for health reasons.
Present Perfect	have given up	We have given up trying to convince him.

💡 When to Use

Admitting defeat

Use it when someone stops trying after repeated failures or when facing insurmountable challenges.

Example: "After years of attempts, he finally gave up."

Quitting a habit

Ideal for situations where an individual stops a habitual action, such as smoking or overeating.

Example: "She is giving up sugar to improve her health."

Surrendering in a conflict

Applicable when someone chooses to stop fighting or resisting, possibly due to lack of resources or options.

Example: "The beleaguered army gave up the fortress."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong word order

❌ Wrong: Give it up smoking.

✅ Correct: Give up smoking.

💡 Tip: Remember: 'Give up' is followed directly by the action.

Unnecessary object

❌ Wrong: I gave up it.

✅ Correct: I gave it up.

💡 Tip: Object pronouns should come between 'give' and 'up'.

Tense confusion

❌ Wrong: She give up yesterday.

✅ Correct: She gave up yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use past tense 'gave' for past actions.

Practice

GIVE UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Despite numerous setbacks, the researchers refused to give up their groundbreaking study.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

After years of trying, she finally gave up her ambition to become a concert pianist.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Many athletes consider giving up before reaching their ultimate goals.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

surrender abandon

Antonyms

persist

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After three failed attempts, he decided to ___ up."

get

give up

take

put

"In life's journey, never give up, for persistence leads to growth and understanding, even when the path becomes unclear and arduous."

In Context

In September 1918, during World War I, the Battle of Saint-Mihiel became a significant turning point. General John J. Pershing led the American Expeditionary Forces in their first independent operation. The soldiers were tasked with trapping the retreating German forces. The conditions were harsh, and many soldiers felt overwhelmed, prompting some to briefly give up hope. However, Pershing's inspiring leadership motivated them to push forward. He famously stated, "We shall not give up until we achieve victory." As the battle progressed, the Germans began to falter. U.S. troops captured critical points, and more soldiers regained their determination, refusing to give up despite fatigue and uncertainty. By September 16, the American forces had delivered a decisive blow, capturing over 15,000 German soldiers and liberating the region. The victory at Saint-Mihiel boosted the morale of the Allied forces. Pershing's insistence on never giving up was pivotal, demonstrating the impact of tenacity and leadership. The success laid groundwork for the Meuse-Argonne offensive, contributing to the eventual end of the war. The soldiers' refusal to give up in the face of adversity became a timeless example of resilience in military history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Give Up

What is the origin of 'give up'?

The phrase 'give up' has Middle English origins from the 14th century, derived from the Old English 'gefan up' meaning to surrender or relinquish possession.

Can 'give up' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'give up' can be used in both contexts. It's versatile, found in formal writings like academic studies and informal settings like casual conversations.

What is the difference between 'give up' and 'surrender'?

'Give up' often implies personal defeat over a challenge, while 'surrender' implies yielding to a superior force, usually in military or competitive contexts.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

GIVE UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Give Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega