GIVE IN

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'give in' means to yield or concede to a demand, pressure, or opposing force after initial resistance. It can imply succumbing in physical, emotional, or mental scenarios. Often, 'give in' is used in contexts where persistence shifts to acceptance, highlighting either necessity or strategic retreat.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'give in' means to yield or concede to a demand, pressure, or opposing force after initial resistance. It can imply succumbing in physical, emotional, or mental scenarios. Often, 'give in' is used in contexts where persistence shifts to acceptance, highlighting either necessity or strategic retreat.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
This phrasal verb cannot be split with an object in between.
Register
Neutral
It's commonly used in both everyday conversation and written contexts.
Transitive
No
It doesn't require a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple give in She refuses to give in despite the pressure.
Past Simple gave in After hours of debate, he finally gave in.
Present Continuous giving in He is slowly giving in to the temptation of sweets.
Present Perfect have given in We have given in to many demands over the years.

💡 When to Use

When facing overwhelming pressure
Use 'give in' to describe situations where persistence against pressure becomes unsustainable, signaling an eventual concession.
Example: "After hours of negotiations, she had to give in."
During a debate
Use 'give in' when someone decides to concede or agree to a valid argument in a discussion or debate.
Example: "He finally gave in after realizing his mistake."
When tempted by desires
Use 'give in' to express succumbing to temptations or desires after resisting them for a period of time.
Example: "She gave in to the urge to buy the dress."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with a direct object
❌ Wrong: She gave in the argument.
✅ Correct: She gave in during the argument.
💡 Tip: Remember 'give in' doesn't take a direct object.
Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: She give in yesterday.
✅ Correct: She gave in yesterday.
💡 Tip: Use the past form 'gave in' for past events.
Using in a non-concessional context
❌ Wrong: I give in to the room daily.
✅ Correct: I go into the room daily.
💡 Tip: Use 'give in' only for yielding or conceding.
Practice

GIVE IN - 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

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

surrender yield

Antonyms

resist

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She tried to stay strong, but ultimately, she decided to ____."

give off
give in
give up
give away

"The wise know when to give in, for sometimes resilience is found in accepting change rather than resisting it."

In Context

During World War II, in 1940, the Battle of France marked a significant turning point. As the German forces advanced, the Allied forces found themselves unable to hold their positions. Initially, the French and British troops resisted fiercely, unwilling to give in to the fear of a rapidly advancing enemy. However, as German forces broke through the Ardennes and progressed towards Paris, it became apparent that their defense was crumbling. With no viable options and France's leaders seeing the inevitable, they decided to give in to the pressures of the situation. On June 22, 1940, France officially signed an armistice with Germany, marking the fall of France. This act of giving in spared France from further destruction, but it also meant accepting German occupation. The French government relocated to Vichy, where it temporarily oversaw a regime under German influence. Eventually, this situation set the stage for the French Resistance, comprised of those unwilling to give in to oppression. This movement played a crucial role in the eventual liberation of France in 1944. The decision to give in was complex, involving strategic, political, and moral considerations, but it underscored the resilience and adaptation of France during one of its darkest hours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Give In

What is the origin of give in?

+
'Give in' is derived from Old English, where 'given' meant 'to yield' or 'to place in the possession of another'. The use in writing dates back to the 15th century, reflecting conceding or relinquishing a position.

Can give in be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'give in' is versatile, appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it indicates strategic concessions; in everyday conversation, it illustrates personal yielding.

What is the difference between give in and surrender?

+
While 'give in' implies yielding under pressure often after resistance, 'surrender' is a more definitive cessation of resistance. 'Surrender' often involves a sense of defeat or capitulation, especially in conflicts.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

get byget involvedget upgive upgo after
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks 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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