give up — stop trying
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To stop making an effort to do something because it is too difficult or seems impossible.
Say it like a native
Textbook I relinquished my efforts as the task proved insurmountable.
Native I gave up — it was just too hard.
'Give up' is the natural verb for stopping out of difficulty; 'relinquished my efforts' is melodramatic.
Pattern: give up (doing) something
In use
- After several failed attempts, she decided to give up learning the guitar.daily life
- I used to find English listening exercises very difficult, but I didn’t give up. I kept practicing until I improved.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Don't give up to try.
✓ Don't give up. / Don't stop trying.
'Give up' is usually used alone or with -ing; 'give up to try' is not English.
Common collocations
give up + manner— too easily, on it, halfway, hope
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'give in', which means to finally agree to something after resisting.
Related
- give up (quit a habit) — Another meaning of 'give up' is 'quit a habit'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.