What Does “Lavish sth on sb” Mean?
“Lavish sth on sb” means to give someone a lot of something, usually in a generous or excessive way.
Introduction
The phrase “lavish sth on sb” is often used when someone gives something, like attention, gifts, or praise, in large amounts to another person. It shows generosity or sometimes even over-the-top kindness. Understanding the lavish sth on sb meaning helps you describe situations where someone is very generous or spoiling another person. This expression is common in both spoken and written English and is useful to express care, admiration, or sometimes criticism of giving too much.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: lavish something on somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To give a lot of something to someone, often generously or excessively
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Lavish sth on sb” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it needs an object.
- It is inseparable: you cannot separate “lavish” and “on.”
- Pattern: lavish + something + on + somebody
- Example: They lavish gifts on their children.
How to Use “Lavish sth on sb”?
Use this phrase when you want to emphasize giving or providing something in large amounts. It often relates to positive things like praise, gifts, or attention but can sometimes suggest that the giving is too much or unnecessary. Remember to follow it with a direct object (the thing given) and then “on” plus the person receiving it.
Examples
Imagine a parent giving many presents to their child during a birthday. You can say:
- They lavished presents on their daughter for her birthday.
- She lavished praise on her team after the successful project.
- Grandparents often lavish love on their grandchildren.
- The company lavished bonuses on its employees last year.
- He lavished attention on his new puppy.
These examples show how to use “lavish sth on sb in a sentence” naturally.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or omit “on,” which changes the meaning or makes the sentence incorrect.
- Incorrect: She lavished gifts her children.
Correct: She lavished gifts on her children. - Incorrect: They lavish on gifts their friends.
Correct: They lavish gifts on their friends.
Always remember the correct pattern: lavish + something + on + somebody.
Differences / Synonyms
Other phrases like “shower someone with” or “spoil someone with” are similar to “lavish sth on sb.” However, “lavish” often implies a large amount and sometimes a sense of luxury or extravagance.
- Shower someone with also means to give a lot, especially gifts or praise, but can feel more informal.
- Spoil someone with suggests giving so much that it might be harmful or excessive.
- Give generously to is less expressive but similar in meaning.
For example, “She lavished attention on her guests” sounds more elegant than “She spoiled her guests,” which might imply too much.
Common Collocations
When using “lavish,” certain words often appear as objects:
- Gifts – presents or items given
- Praise – positive comments or compliments
- Attention – focus or care
- Love – affection or warmth
- Money – financial resources
- Time – effort or hours spent
These collocations help you use the phrase naturally and clearly.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of lavish sth on sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using “lavish sth on sb”:
Anna: Did you see how much she lavished gifts on her kids for Christmas?
Ben: Yes, she really spoils them every year.
Anna: It’s nice to see such love and care.
Ben: True, but sometimes it feels a bit too much.
Practice
Try to complete the sentence below with the correct form:
She always _________ (lavish) __________ (praise) ________ her students after exams.
- a) lavishes praise on
- b) lavish praise to
- c) lavished on praise
- d) lavish praise on
Answer: a) lavishes praise on
FAQs
- Q: Is “lavish sth on sb” formal?
A: It is moderately formal and often used in both spoken and written English.
- Q: Can “lavish” be used without “on”?
A: No, “lavish” in this phrasal verb always requires “on” after the object.
- Q: Can I use “lavish” with people as objects?
A: No, the object is usually the thing given, while the person is after “on.”
- Q: What is the difference between “lavish on” and “shower with”?
A: Both mean to give a lot, but “shower with” is more informal and casual.
- Q: Is “lavish sth on sb” always positive?
A: Usually yes, but it can sometimes suggest giving too much.
