to hand something to each person in a group; to distribute.
The teacher gave out the exam papers to the students.
A: Who's going to give out the flyers at the event? B: I'll do it, no problem.
In my school, the principal would often give out certificates to students who did well in their exams.
Common mistake
✗She gave out us the worksheets.
✓She gave us the worksheets. / She gave out the worksheets.
Don't put the recipient between 'give' and 'out'. Use 'give out + thing', or 'give + person + thing'.
Tell it apart
They gave out free samples.
handed one to each person
The old printer finally gave out.
stopped working
Use 'give out' when talking about handing things to people, like papers or food.'Give out' (distribute) is different from 'give away', which often means to give something for free, usually as a gift.
to stop working or functioning, usually because of being old or used too much.
My phone finally gave out after years of use.
A: Why did you stop running? B: My legs just gave out. I couldn't move anymore.
During the hike, my old backpack gave out and the straps broke, so I had to carry everything by hand.
Common mistake
✗My phone gave out of battery.
✓My phone died. / My phone ran out of battery.
'Give out' = fail from wear (engine, knees, voice). For a battery or supply ending, use 'run out' or 'die'.
Tell it apart
His knees gave out on the stairs.
failed under strain
He gave out the prizes.
handed them round
This sense is often used for machines, body parts, or things that can wear down.'Give out' (stop working) is not the same as 'run out', which means to have nothing left.
The results will be given out at the end of the meeting.
A: Has the company given out any information about the new project? B: Not yet, but they promised to update us soon.
The university gave out the list of successful applicants on their website last Friday.
Common mistake
✗The teacher gave out that the test was cancelled.
✓The teacher announced that the test was cancelled.
'Give out' + a that-clause is unnatural. This sense works with a noun object (information, details, results); for news use 'announce/say'.
Tell it apart
The tannoy gave out a final boarding call.
announced it
They gave out leaflets at the door.
handed them round
This sense is less common in everyday speech, but you might hear it in news or formal situations.'Give out' (announce) is more formal than 'say' or 'tell'.