What Does โLavish sth on sbโ Mean?
โLavish sth on sbโ means to give someone a lot of something, usually in a generous or excessive way.
Introduction
The phrase โlavish sth on sbโ 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)
โLavish sth on sbโ is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it needs an object.
- It is inseparable: you cannot separate โlavishโ and โon.โ
- Pattern: lavish + something + on + somebody
- Example: They lavish gifts on their children.
How to Use โLavish sth on sbโ?
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 โonโ 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 โlavish sth on sb in a sentenceโ naturally.
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse the word order or omit โon,โ 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 โshower someone withโ or โspoil someone withโ are similar to โlavish sth on sb.โ However, โlavishโ 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, โShe lavished attention on her guestsโ sounds more elegant than โShe spoiled her guests,โ which might imply too much.
Common Collocations
When using โlavish,โ certain words often appear as objects:
- Gifts โ presents or items given
- Praise โ positive comments or compliments
- Attention โ focus or care
- Love โ affection or warmth
- Money โ financial resources
- Time โ 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 โlavish sth on sbโ:
Anna: Did you see how much she lavished gifts on her kids for Christmas?
Ben: Yes, she really spoils them every year.
Anna: Itโs 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 โlavish sth on sbโ formal?
A: It is moderately formal and often used in both spoken and written English.
- Q: Can โlavishโ be used without โonโ?
A: No, โlavishโ in this phrasal verb always requires โonโ after the object.
- Q: Can I use โlavishโ with people as objects?
A: No, the object is usually the thing given, while the person is after โon.โ
- Q: What is the difference between โlavish onโ and โshower withโ?
A: Both mean to give a lot, but โshower withโ is more informal and casual.
- Q: Is โlavish sth on sbโ always positive?
A: Usually yes, but it can sometimes suggest giving too much.
