What Does “give sb up for dead” Mean?
“Give sb up for dead” means to believe that someone is dead, especially when there is little hope of them being alive.
Introduction
The phrase give sb up for dead is an English idiom used when people think that someone has died, usually after a dangerous event or accident. It expresses a feeling of hopelessness about that person’s survival. The give sb up for dead meaning comes from situations like disasters, wars, or accidents where rescuers or loved ones lose hope of finding the person alive. This expression is common in both spoken and written English, especially in stories, news, or conversations about survival and loss. Understanding this phrase helps learners recognize emotional and dramatic contexts in English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: give sb up for dead (give somebody up for dead)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-intermediate)
- Short meaning: To believe that someone is dead
Structure (Grammar Rules)
The phrasal verb give sb up for dead is transitive, meaning it always needs an object (the person believed to be dead).
It is inseparable, so you cannot separate the verb and the particle.
Pattern: give + somebody + up + for + dead
Example: They gave him up for dead after the accident.
How to Use “give sb up for dead”?
Use this phrase when talking about situations where someone’s survival is doubtful or impossible. It often appears in past tense because it refers to a conclusion made after an event. It can be used in formal and informal contexts but is more common in storytelling, news reports, or personal experiences.
You can also use it metaphorically to express giving up hope on someone in difficult situations.
Examples
After the plane crash, the rescue team gave the passengers up for dead.
- The family had given her up for dead, but she was found alive after three days.
- He was badly injured and everyone gave him up for dead at the hospital.
- In the movie, the hero was given up for dead but returned in the last scene.
- They almost gave the lost hiker up for dead before discovering he had found shelter.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the phrase with similar expressions or use it incorrectly by changing the structure.
- Incorrect: They gave up him for dead.
- Correct: They gave him up for dead.
- Incorrect: She was given up for death.
- Correct: She was given up for dead.
Remember, the phrase must include “up for dead” exactly and the object (sb) comes immediately after “give.”
Differences / Synonyms
Several phrases express similar ideas, but they differ in meaning and use.
- Write sb off: To decide someone or something is no longer useful or hopeful, but not necessarily dead.
- Give up on sb: To stop hoping or trying for someone, but not assuming death.
- Declare sb dead: A formal statement that someone has died, often official.
Give sb up for dead is more emotional and informal, used when people believe someone has died but without official confirmation.
Common Collocations
When using “give sb up for dead,” certain words often appear with it to clarify the context.
- Accident: “They gave him up for dead after the accident.”
- Missing: “She was given up for dead after being missing for weeks.”
- Victim: “The victims were given up for dead by the rescuers.”
- Survivor: “The survivors were initially given up for dead.”
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of give sb up for dead:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using the phrase:
Anna: Did you hear about Tom after the flood?
Ben: Yes, everyone gave him up for dead since his house was destroyed.
Anna: I’m so relieved he was found safe!
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase:
- The search team __________ him __________ __________ after the earthquake.
- After being lost in the jungle for days, she was almost __________ __________ __________.
Answers:
- gave / up / for dead
- given / up / for dead
FAQs
- Q: Can “give sb up for dead” be used in the present tense?
A: It is mostly used in past tense because it refers to a conclusion after an event. - Q: Is “give sb up for dead” formal or informal?
A: It is informal and often used in storytelling or conversation. - Q: Can it be used metaphorically?
A: Yes, sometimes it means giving up hope on someone. - Q: What is the difference between “give sb up for dead” and “write sb off”?
A: “Give sb up for dead” means believing someone is dead, while “write sb off” means losing hope but not assuming death. - Q: Can the phrase be used without an object?
A: No, it always needs an object (someone).
