I am given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am given" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing some action that is done to or for you. Example: "I am given instructions every day to ensure that my tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am given a number.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What I am given is the story.

The Guardian - Books

I am given the last question signal.

The Guardian - Film

Not even if I am given the order".

The New Yorker

I am given other telephone numbers: Neighborhood emergency room.

The New York Times

I am given a plastic box that smells of fags.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If that's the punishment I am given, so be it".

The New York Times

Later, I am given a tour of the cellar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But generally speaking, I am given a great deal of leeway.

The New Yorker

Good story, of course, but I am given to understand, not true.

The Guardian

That, at any rate, is one local interpretation I am given.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am given" to clearly indicate that you are the recipient of an action or item. This phrasing is particularly useful in formal or descriptive writing where passive voice is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "I am given" when you want to emphasize who is providing something. The passive voice obscures the agent. If the giver is important, rephrase using the active voice (e.g., "They gave me...").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am given" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) is the recipient of an action. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe receiving instructions, opportunities, or items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am given" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe receiving something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for describing actions done to or for the speaker. The phrase is found most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts, exhibiting a neutral to formal tone. When using "I am given", ensure the context aligns with the passive voice, emphasizing the recipient rather than the giver of the action. For situations where the giver is important, consider using the active voice instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am provided with

Highlights the act of being supplied with something.

I am supplied with

Emphasizes the provision of resources or necessities.

I am presented with

Focuses on the act of being formally given something.

I receive

Focuses on the act of receiving directly.

I am offered

Highlights the opportunity to receive something.

I am granted

Suggests permission or authorization to receive something.

I am entitled to

Highlights a right or claim to receive something.

I am awarded

Implies recognition or merit in receiving something.

I obtain

Emphasizes the acquisition of something.

I secure

Indicates effort or action taken to receive something.

FAQs

How can I use "I am given" in a sentence?

Use "I am given" to describe situations where something is provided to you. For instance, "I am given instructions on how to complete the task", or "I am given a choice between two options".

What can I say instead of "I am given"?

You can use alternatives like "I receive", "I am provided with", or "I obtain" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "I am given"?

The choice depends on the context. "I am given" (passive) is suitable when the giver is unknown or unimportant. If the giver is important, use the active voice (e.g., "They give me").

How does "I am given" compare to "I was given"?

"I am given" refers to the present tense, describing something that happens regularly or is currently happening. "I was given" refers to the past tense, describing something that happened at a specific time in the past.