I've been given

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've been given" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to receiving something. For example: "I've been given a great opportunity to gain some valuable skills this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I've been given a talent.

The Guardian

I've been given an opportunity.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been given no information".

The Guardian - Business

"I've been given good reviews.

The New Yorker

"I guess I've been given both tonight".

The New York Times

It's a gift I've been given.

The Guardian - Books

I know the date I've been given.

The Guardian

I've been given some spare headphones.

The Guardian - Sport

I've been given everything I wanted.

The Guardian

"I've been given no indication whatsoever about timing," he said.

Independent

The help that I've been given has been mind-boggling".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing who provided something, consider adding "by [name/entity]" to clarify the source. For example, "I've been given this opportunity by the company."

Common error

Avoid using "I've been given" when you actively sought or earned something. Use active voice constructions like "I earned" or "I achieved" to highlight your own agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been given" functions as a passive construction in the present perfect tense. It indicates that the subject (I) has received something from an unspecified agent. Ludwig's examples show its wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I've been given" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the receipt of something, whether it's tangible, an opportunity, or information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with primary usage appearing in news and media. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it when you actively earned something, opting for active voice constructions instead. Consider alternatives like "I have received" or "I was granted" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have received

Formal alternative, emphasizes the act of receiving.

I was granted

Highlights permission or authorization to receive something.

I've been awarded

Implies recognition or merit in receiving something.

I've been presented with

Suggests a formal or ceremonial giving.

I've obtained

Focuses on the action of getting or acquiring something.

I've been entrusted with

Emphasizes the responsibility accompanying what's given.

I've inherited

Specifically refers to receiving something through inheritance.

I've been bequeathed

A more formal way to describe receiving something in a will.

I'm in receipt of

A very formal and sometimes bureaucratic way of saying you've received something.

I've been favored with

Suggests a special privilege or blessing in receiving something.

FAQs

How can I use "I've been given" in a sentence?

You can use "I've been given" to express that you have received something, like "I've been given a chance" or "I've been given the task".

What are some alternatives to "I've been given"?

Some alternatives to "I've been given" include phrases like "I have received", "I was granted", or "I've been awarded", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I've been giving" instead of "I've been given"?

No, "I've been giving" means you have been in the act of giving something, while "I've been given" means you have received something. They have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "I've been given" and "I received"?

"I've been given" (present perfect passive) emphasizes the state of having received something, while "I received" (simple past active) emphasizes the action of receiving at a specific time. "I've been given" implies an ongoing relevance or consequence.