| Phrasal verb | Main meaning |
|---|---|
give way [ɡɪv weɪ] | to yield or collapse |
Other meanings
- to yield or give priority (often used with "to")
- to be replaced by something else; to make way for (often used with "to")
- to stop resisting; to break down emotionally
Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "give way"
- The old bridge gave way during the storm.
- Please give way to oncoming traffic.
- After hours of resistance, she finally gave way.
- His anger gave way to amusement.
- Small shops have given way to big chains in the town centre.
Features of Using "give way"
Give way is normally intransitive and inseparable. When it means "yield" it is often followed by the preposition to (give way to someone/something). When it describes structural failure or collapse it is used without a direct object (The roof gave way). It also commonly means "be replaced by" (e.g., old styles gave way to new ones). In contexts of emotion it means to stop resisting or to break down (her composure gave way).
Other phrasal verbs with the verb give
give back
return something to its owner
give up
to stop trying or quit doing something
give away
to donate something for free
give in
to stop resisting, to surrender
give out
to distribute something to people
give off
to emit (a smell, light, heat, gas, etc.)
give into
to yield or surrender to something
give over
to stop (doing something)
give onto
to open onto (a space, street, view, etc.)
give forth
to emit (a sound, smell, light, etc.)
🔗 Learn more about the irregular verb give, including its forms and usage.