give out
/ɡɪv aʊt/
Meaning
This expression has two common meanings. First, it means to distribute or hand something to a group of people. Second, it means that a machine, part of the body, or supply stops working, fails, or runs out completely.
Examples
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The teacher will give out the exam papers now.
The teacher will give out the exam papers now.
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They were giving out free samples of coffee at the supermarket.
They were giving out free samples of coffee at the supermarket.
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My old car's engine finally gave out on the highway.
My old car's engine finally gave out on the highway.
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Her knees gave out after running the marathon.
Her knees gave out after running the marathon.
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Our food supplies are starting to give out.
Our food supplies are starting to give out.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He gave out cards for everyone.
✓ He gave out cards to everyone.
When distributing items, we give them out 'to' people, not 'for' people.
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✗ The battery gave out itself.
✓ The battery gave out.
'Give out' in the sense of failing or stopping is intransitive and does not require a reflexive pronoun like 'itself'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Could you help me ___ these flyers to the visitors?
💡 distribute
Show answer
give out
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I think my old laptop is about to ___.
💡 stop working or fail
Show answer
give out