give out
B1Informal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To distribute something to multiple people; to emit something (e.g., sound, light, information); to stop functioning or become exhausted.
Also means to announce or declare something publicly, to endure or tolerate no longer, or (of a machine, part, supply) to fail or be depleted.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Highly polysemous phrasal verb. The specific meaning is heavily context-dependent. The 'stop functioning' sense is particularly common in informal spoken English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both 'give out' and 'give off' are used for 'emit' in UK English (e.g., 'give out heat'). In US English, 'give off' is more common for emissions. The 'distribute' sense is common in both. 'Give out' in the sense of 'to stop working' (e.g., 'my legs gave out') is equally common in both.
Connotations
In the 'emit' sense, can have a slightly technical or literary connotation compared to simpler 'emit' or 'produce'.
Frequency
The 'fail/break down' sense is highly frequent in casual conversation in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + give out + [Direct Object] (e.g., The machine gives out tickets).[Subject] + give out (intransitive) (e.g., My phone's battery gave out).[Subject] + give out + [Indirect Object] + [Direct Object] (e.g., She gave the students out worksheets).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't give out on me now!”
- “My patience is about to give out.”
- “The engine gave out halfway up the hill.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will give out bonuses next quarter. The printer gave out during the critical presentation.
Academic
The study gives out conflicting data on the topic. The old reactor gives out negligible radiation.
Everyday
Can you help me give out these invitations? My legs gave out after the marathon.
Technical
The device gives out a high-frequency pulse. The material gives out toxic fumes when heated.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teacher will give out the exam papers now.
- The old radiator gives out a lovely warmth.
- His voice gave out towards the end of the speech.
American English
- They're giving out free t-shirts at the game.
- The campfire gave out enough light to see.
- The car's transmission gave out on the highway.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The given-out instructions were unclear. (rare, participle as adjective)
American English
- All the given-out samples were gone in minutes. (rare, participle as adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave out the books.
- The sun gives out light and heat.
- They were giving out leaflets in the town centre.
- My phone battery gave out, so I couldn't call.
- The speaker's microphone gave out a loud screech.
- The charity gives out food parcels to families in need.
- After years of service, the old pump finally gave out.
- The government gave out contradictory statements about the policy.
- The judge threatened to give out harsh sentences to the perpetrators.
- The material gives out a unique spectral signature when analysed.
- Her resolve never gave out, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a vending machine: it 'gives out' snacks (distributes), 'gives out' a beep (emits), and eventually 'gives out' (breaks).
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURANCE IS A SUPPLY (e.g., 'My patience gave out' = the supply of patience was exhausted). MACHINES/ORGANS ARE SERVANTS (e.g., 'His heart gave out' = the servant stopped working).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'give away' (дарить, раздавать бесплатно или раскрывать секрет). 'Give out' implies distribution to a group or emission. Avoid literal translations like 'давать наружу'. For 'my legs gave out', use 'подкосились', 'отказали'.
Common Mistakes
- *He gave out a secret (use 'gave away').
- *The sun gives out us light (incorrect word order).
- *I gave out my homework to the teacher (use 'handed in' or 'gave to').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence does 'give out' mean 'to stop working'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the 'distribute' meaning (e.g., 'Give the worksheets out' / 'Give out the worksheets'). It is not separable for the 'emit' or 'fail' meanings (e.g., NOT 'give the heat out').
'Give out' implies a sudden failure or cessation of function (e.g., my legs gave out). 'Run out' implies a gradual depletion of a supply (e.g., we ran out of milk). You 'run out of' something; something 'gives out' on its own.
No, that is 'give away'. 'Give out' in the context of information means to broadcast or disseminate it publicly, not to disclose a secret.
It ranges from neutral ('give out information') to quite informal ('my phone gave out'). In very formal writing, synonyms like 'distribute', 'emit', or 'fail' might be preferred.