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give in — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 agree reluctantlyTo finally agree to do something you did not want to do, usually after being pressured or persuaded.
  2. 2 submit workTo hand something (such as an assignment, report, or official document) to someone in authority, especially as required or expected.

All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

agree reluctantly

B1give in to sb/sthspokenMost common

To finally agree to do something you did not want to do, usually after being pressured or persuaded.

After hours of begging, her parents finally gave in and let her go to the party.

A: Are you still saying no to the trip?
B: I was, but I gave in. My friends convinced me.

In my opinion, parents shouldn't always give in to their children's demands, as it can lead to bad habits.

Common mistake

I gave in his request.

I gave in to his request. / I gave in.

When you name what you yield to, use 'give in TO'; bare 'give in' takes no object.

Tell it apart

I gave in and let them stay.

stopped resisting

I gave up trying to stop them.

quit the effort altogether
Use 'give in' when someone changes their mind because of pressure, not when they quit completely.'Give in' is about agreeing after some resistance, while 'give up' means to stop trying.

Often paired with

give in (to)
2

submit work

C1give in sth sthspoken

To hand something (such as an assignment, report, or official document) to someone in authority, especially as required or expected.

Please give in your completed forms to the front desk by Friday.

A: Have you given in your essay yet?
B: Not yet, I still need to check the references before submitting it.

Candidates are required to give in their answer sheets before leaving the examination hall.

Common mistake

I need to give in to my report tomorrow.

I need to give in my report tomorrow.

This 'give in' (submit) takes no 'to' — 'give in TO' means yield to pressure, a different meaning.

Tell it apart

Give your essay in by Friday.

submit it — BrE

Don't give in to the pressure.

yield / surrender
'Give in' meaning 'to submit work' is mainly used in British English, especially in academic or professional contexts. It is interchangeable with 'hand in', but 'hand in' is more common. Do not use this sense when talking about surrendering or yielding to pressure.Unlike the B1 sense ('agree reluctantly' or 'surrender'), this sense is about physically submitting something required, not about giving up in an argument or negotiation.

Often paired with

give in + work

Turn this into speaking practice

Practise one meaning at a time and save the ones you mix up for review.