I was even given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was even given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something unexpected or surprising was provided to the speaker. Example: "I was even given a bonus for my hard work, which I didn't expect at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I was even given Ritalin as a child to make me concentrate.

Independent

I went through five interviews before I was even given an offer.

The New York Times

I was even given a friendly send-off, in the form of warm applause by the cast and crew, perhaps because they were relieved to get back to work with professionals.

The New York Times

My sister and I were roped in early: it feels like I've stuffed envelopes from the time I was learning to walk; I've run counters at consumer shows and helped at trade stands and at one point I was even given a proper office job as events manager – my mother is the only person I've ever worked for who has fired me!

The Guardian

I was even given drugs but didn't know what they were for.

BBC

I was constrained by the required styles of the specific outlets, and in some instances I was even given specific diagrams which I was instructed to replicate with the camera.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I am even given date options, which I somehow feel I don't deserve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm even giving a talk at a conference with His Holiness the Dalai Lama this summer.

University of California, Berkeley

One was even given a promotion.

The New York Times

He was even given his own uniform.

The Guardian

He's even given her dating advice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was even given" to highlight an unexpected or additional benefit or item received. It adds emphasis to the surprising nature of the gift or opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was even given" when you should be using the active voice for clarity. If the giver is important, rephrase the sentence to highlight their action, such as "They even gave me..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was even given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (I) received something. This construction emphasizes the receiver of the action rather than the giver. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is used to emphasize that something unexpected or surprising was provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was even given" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to emphasize the receipt of something, often unexpectedly. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it is also present in academic and scientific writing. Related phrases include "I also received" and "I was also provided with", offering alternative ways to express the same idea with varying degrees of formality and emphasis. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when highlighting the unexpected or additional nature of what was received, and to avoid using it when the active voice would be clearer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was also provided with

Emphasizes that something was supplied or furnished to the speaker.

I also received

Replaces "even given" with a simple statement of receipt, omitting the emphasis on surprise.

I happened to be given

Adds a sense of chance or randomness to the act of receiving.

I was surprised to receive

Focuses on the speaker's surprise at receiving something, rather than the act itself.

I additionally obtained

Uses a more formal verb ("obtained") and adverb ("additionally"), making the sentence sound more official.

Unexpectedly, I received

Places the emphasis on the unexpected nature of the receipt.

I further acquired

Similar to "additionally obtained" but emphasizes the act of getting something over time.

I was fortunate enough to get

Emphasizes the speaker's good luck in receiving something.

I had the opportunity to receive

Highlights the chance or occasion that allowed the speaker to get something.

On top of that, I got

This is more informal and emphasizes that something was added to what was already there.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was even given" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I was also provided with", "I additionally obtained", or "I further acquired". These options often suit professional contexts better.

Is it correct to use "I was even given" in academic writing?

Yes, it's acceptable, but ensure it fits the context. Consider if a more direct, active voice construction like "They even gave me..." or "I also received..." might be clearer and more concise.

What's the difference between "I was even given" and "I was also given"?

While similar, "I was even given" implies a degree of surprise or unexpectedness, whereas "I was also given" simply adds an item to a list. The word "even" adds emphasis. Consider using "I was also given" when unexpectedness is not a key part of your intent.

What are some common synonyms for the word "given" in the phrase "I was even given"?

Depending on the context, you could replace "given" with words like "provided", "awarded", "presented", or "offered". For example, "I was even offered a promotion".