GIVE UP ON

Human Communication

"When facing inevitable change, never give up on the light at the end of the tunnel that guides your journey."

📖 Definition

To stop pursuing, accepting, or believing in someone or something, especially after failure, doubts, or difficulties become overwhelming.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To stop pursuing, accepting, or believing in someone or something, especially after failure, doubts, or difficulties become overwhelming.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The parts of the verb phrase cannot be separated.
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Neutral
Suitable for both spoken and written contexts without formal restrictions.
Transitive
Yes
Requires an object, either a person or a thing, to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple give up on She won't give up on her dream to become a doctor.
Past Simple gave up on They gave up on the project due to budget cuts.
Present Continuous giving up on He is not giving up on finding a solution.
Present Perfect have given up on I have given up on that old computer; it's beyond repair.

💡 When to Use

Persistent failures occur
Use when a person ceases efforts after repeated unsuccessful attempts in pursuit of a goal.
Example: "After years of trying, she gave up on learning to ski."
Hope diminishes
Apply when someone stops believing things will improve or a situation can be resolved positively.
Example: "Many gave up on peace talks after latest negotiations failed."
Trust is lost
Appropriate when faith in someone or something is lost due to actions or repeated disappointments.
Example: "He gave up on his friend after several broken promises."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect use of object
❌ Wrong: I gave up on.
✅ Correct: I gave up on the project.
💡 Tip: Always include the object you are giving up on.
Wrong word order
❌ Wrong: Give on up the team.
✅ Correct: Give up on the team.
💡 Tip: Remember 'give up on', not 'give on up'.
Incorrect verb tense
❌ Wrong: He is gave up on his dream.
✅ Correct: He has given up on his dream.
💡 Tip: Ensure verb tenses are consistent.
Practice

GIVE UP ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

  • 1
    Listen to example

    Despite challenges, she never gave up on her ambition to travel the world.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 2
    Listen to example

    John gave up on trying to fix the broken radio after several attempts.

    TV The Magic Box
  • 3
    Listen to example

    The team was on the brink of giving up on the tournament due to injuries.

    TV The Magic Box

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

abandon forsake

Antonyms

persevere

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many people ___ on their resolutions by February."

give around
give up on
give for
give under

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Give Up On

What is the origin of give up on?

+
The phrase 'give up on' evolved from the Old English 'geafon' for giving up completely. Originally two separate phrasal ideas, it came together around the 17th century in English.

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

+
Yes, 'give up on' is versatile for both formal and informal contexts, applicable to professional writing as well as casual speech, with neutral connotations.

What is the difference between give up on and abandon?

+
While 'give up on' suggests ceasing belief or effort after attempts, 'abandon' often implies leaving completely without prior effort or consideration.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

stop tryingwalk away fromabandonlet go ofwash hands of
Browse All TV The Magic Box Phrasal Verbs
Human Communication Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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