Providing Intangible Things (Give): English Vocabulary List

to offer an opportunity or possibility for someone to demonstrate their abilities, potential, or ideas in a given context

"Please give me a chance to explain."

"The kind manager decided to give the inexperienced teenager a chance to prove himself."

to offer someone the option to make a decision between two or more alternatives or possibilities

"They gave us a choice today."

"The teacher gave the students a choice between writing an essay or giving a presentation."

to care or show concern about a particular issue, situation, or person

"I don't give a damn."

"He acted as if he didn't give a damn about the consequences of his reckless behavior."

to cause pain and discomfort in someone's head

"Loud music gives me a headache."

"The constant noise from the construction site next door has been giving the entire neighborhood a terrible headache every single day."

to display one's talents or skills in a public or private presentation

"The actor gave a brilliant performance."

"The talented actor gave a brilliant performance in the play that moved the audience to tears."

to deliver a formal presentation in front of a group of people about a specific topic

"The president gave a speech."

"The president will give a speech to the nation tonight about the new economic policies."

to formally inform someone or an organization about a decision, intention, or impending action

"He gave notice to quit."

"She decided to give notice to her employer before starting her new job."

to allow someone to do something

"My parents gave permission for the trip."

"The teacher gave permission for the students to leave the classroom early because the fire alarm was ringing."

to make an attempt at doing or trying something, often with the intent of testing one's abilities or exploring a new experience

"I will give the game a go."

"I have never tried surfing before but I am willing to give it a go next summer."

to assign a higher level of importance to a particular task or action over others

"We must give priority to safety."

"The busy manager decided to give priority to the most urgent tasks on his long list."

to convey or create a specific perception, feeling, or idea in the minds of others through one's words, actions, or appearance

"He gave a good impression."

"His calm demeanor and thoughtful answers gave the impression that he was very knowledgeable about the subject."

to consider or contemplate a particular subject or idea

"Give this idea thought."

"Before you make any hasty decisions, please give some serious thought to the potential consequences involved."

to finally agree to something, especially after much resistance or arguing

"They gave way finally."

"After hours of negotiation, the stubborn committee finally agreed to give way on the proposed budget cuts."

to offer encouragement, support, or motivation to someone

"Her support gave heart to the team."

"The encouraging words from her teacher gave heart to the nervous student before the big exam."

to deliver a formal, instructive, or informative speech or presentation to an audience

"The teacher gave a lecture."

"The renowned historian will give a lecture on ancient Roman civilization next Tuesday evening."

to create a particular situation or event

"The incident gave rise to many rumors."

"The politician's unpopular comments gave rise to widespread protests across the entire country."

to move aside in order to make space or allow someone or something to pass

"Please give way."

"Drivers approaching the intersection must yield and give way to emergency vehicles with flashing lights."