give [1] (gives 3rd person present) (giving present participle) (gave past tense) (given past participle ) (USED WITH NOUNS DESCRIBING ACTIONS)
1 verb You can use give with nouns that refer to physical actions. The whole expression refers to the performing of the action. For example, She gave a smile means almost the same as `She smiled'.
no cont
She stretched her arms out and gave a great yawn... V n
He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. V n n
2 verb You use give to say that a person does something for another person. For example, if you give someone a lift, you take them somewhere in your car.
I gave her a lift back out to her house... V n n
He was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation... V n n
Sophie asked her if she would like to come and give art lessons. V n
3 verb You use give with nouns that refer to information, opinions, or greetings to indicate that something is communicated. For example, if you give someone some news, you tell it to them.
He gave no details... V n
Would you like to give me your name?... V n n
He asked me to give his regards to all of you... V n to n
He gave the cause of death as multiple injuries. V n as n
4 verb You use give to say how long you think something will last or how much you think something will be.
A BBC poll gave the Labour Party a 12 per cent lead... V n n
5 verb People use give in expressions such as I don't give a damn to show that they do not care about something.
INFORMAL no cont, no passive, with brd-neg (feelings)
They don't give a damn about the country. V n
6 verb If someone or something gives you a particular idea or impression, it causes you to have that idea or impression.
They gave me the impression that they were doing exactly what they wanted in life... V n n
The examiner's final report does not give an accurate picture. V n
7 verb If someone or something gives you a particular physical or emotional feeling, it makes you experience it.
He gave me a shock... V n n
It will give great pleasure to the many thousands of children who visit the hospital each year. V n to n, Also V n
8 verb If you give a performance or speech, you perform or speak in public.
Kotto gives a stupendous performance... V n
I am sure you remember Mrs Butler who gave us such an interesting talk last year. V n n
9 verb If you give something thought or attention, you think about it, concentrate on it, or deal with it.
I've been giving it some thought... V n n
Priority will be given to those who apply early. V n to n/-ing
10 verb If you give a party or other social event, you organize it.
(=have)
That evening, I gave a dinner party for a few close friends. V n
