Give In – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever argued with a friend but finally agreed just to end the fight? Or said “yes” to your child after they asked for ice cream ten times? In English, we say you gave in. This everyday phrase describes the moment you stop resisting, arguing, or holding your ground—and accept what someone else wants.
What Does “Give In” Mean?
“Give in” means to stop opposing someone or something, often because of pressure, tiredness, or persuasion. Think of it like a wall slowly crumbling—not because it wanted to, but because the push became too strong. It’s not about generosity; it’s about surrender, compromise, or yielding after holding out.
When to Use It
Use “give in” in personal or emotional situations:
• With family or friends: “I gave in and let them pick the movie.”
• When negotiating or arguing: “The company gave in to workers’ demands.”
• When temptation wins: “I was dieting, but I gave in and ate the cake.”
It’s informal to neutral—perfect for speaking, storytelling, or casual writing. Avoid it in formal reports unless describing a concession.
Example Sentences
- After hours of begging, she finally gave in and bought the toy.
- Don’t give in to peer pressure—stand by your values.
- The government gave in to public protests and changed the law.
- I tried to resist, but I gave in and checked my phone during dinner.
Mini Dialogue
Riya: “You said no dessert this week!”
Marcus: “I know… but the chocolate cake looked so good. I gave in.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “give in” with “give up.” “Give in” means yielding to someone else; “give up” means quitting your own effort. Also, “give in” is intransitive—you don’t “give in something.” Use “give in to [someone/something]” instead.
❌ Don’t say: “He gave in the argument.” (Incorrect structure.)
✅ Do say: “He gave in to her request.”
✅ Do say: “I gave in after they promised to help.”
Practice Tip
Think of a time someone persuaded you—or you stopped resisting. Describe it using “gave in to.” For example: “I gave in to my friend’s suggestion” or “They gave in to customer complaints.” Saying it this way builds natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “give in” to talk about compromise, temptation, or surrender—with honesty and clarity. It’s a phrase full of real human moments. Keep listening for it in shows, conversations, or news stories. Every time you hear it, you’re learning how people navigate pressure in English. You’re doing great!