give notice

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   to tell your employer officially that you plan to leave your job, usually after a fixed period.

   Grammar: Used without an object when the meaning is clear; you can also say give someone notice, e.g. give your boss notice.

   Patterns

   • give notice
   • give someone notice
   • give notice to someone

   She gave notice at the end of March and left two weeks later.

   If you want to leave, you must give notice in writing.

   He gave his manager notice yesterday and will finish on Friday.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseformallegal

   to inform someone officially or formally about something, especially in legal or business situations.

   Grammar: Often followed by of + noun: give notice of a meeting, give notice of intention.

   Patterns

   • give notice of something
   • give notice that ...
   • give someone notice of something

   The tenant must give notice of any damage to the landlord.

   The company gave notice that the factory would close.

   They gave notice of their intention to appeal the decision.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   to warn someone that something is going to happen, especially in a way that seems rude or sudden.

   Grammar: Often used in the pattern give someone notice that ...; can sound slightly formal.

   Patterns

   • give someone notice that ...
   • give notice that ...

   The teacher gave the class notice that there would be a test.

   They gave us no notice that the water would be turned off.

   He gave notice that he would not tolerate any more delays.

Common combinations

give two weeks' notice

He gave two weeks' notice before starting his new job.

give written notice

You should give written notice if you want to end the contract.

give notice of intention

The group gave notice of intention to hold a protest.

give notice to quit

The landlord gave notice to quit to the tenants.

without giving notice

She left the company without giving notice.

Synonyms and how they differ

resign

Resign focuses on the act of formally leaving a job, while give notice focuses on telling your employer in advance; you can resign without giving notice, though it is unusual.

quit

Quit is more informal and often suggests leaving suddenly, whereas give notice suggests following a proper procedure.

hand in your notice

This is a common British phrase that means the same as give notice, but it emphasizes the written letter you give to your employer.

Word family

notice noun

The period of time between telling your employer and leaving, or a written sign or warning.

noticeable adjective

Easy to see or notice.

Commonly confused: give notice or notice?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “give notice”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words