What are the definitions of “give of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Contribute without expecting anything in return, usually time or money.
He GIVE OF his free time to help the club.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “give of”?
The phrasal verb give of is commonly used to express the act of contributing something, usually time or money, without expecting anything in return. It is often used to describe selfless acts or charitable deeds.
What are the different verb forms of “give of”?
| Root Verb | give of |
| Third Person Singular Present | gives of |
| Present Participle | giving of |
| Simple Past | gave of |
| Past Participle | given of |
Example
She always gives of her time to help others.
Example
He gives of his wealth to support local charities.
Example
They are giving of their resources to aid the disaster victims.
Example
Yesterday, he gave of his time to help clean the park.
Example
She has given of her skills to train the new employees.
What kind of phrasal verb is “give of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“give of” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She gave of her time to help the community.
Example
He gave of his wealth to support the charity.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“give of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She gave of her time to help the community.
Example
He gave of his wealth to support the charity.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “give of”?
Give of oneself
To devote or dedicate oneself to a cause or activity.
Example
She gave of herself to care for the sick and needy.
Give of one's best
To do the best that one can.
Example
He always gives of his best in every task he undertakes.
Give of one's time
To spend time doing something for others.
Example
They give of their time to volunteer at the local food bank.
Good things to know
Does “give of” have an informal or formal tone?
Give of is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as in speeches, reports, or formal letters.
