I was given

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was given" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something was provided or offered to you, usually by someone else. For example: "I was given the opportunity to apply for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was given 12".

The New York Times - Health

I was given tasks".

The New Yorker

I was given no help.

Independent

I was given morphine.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was given water.

The Guardian

'I was given ECT.

The Guardian

I wish I was given a choice.

Independent

I was given 24 hours to decide.

Independent

I was given a new reference number.

The New York Times

What a present I was given".

The New Yorker

I was given a stress test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing passive voice in general. While "I was given" is grammatically correct, consider active voice alternatives when appropriate for a more direct and engaging style.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear who gave you something. If the giver is unknown or unimportant, "I was given" is appropriate. Otherwise, consider using an active voice to specify the agent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was given" functions as a passive voice construction, where the subject "I" is the recipient of an action. This construction is used to emphasize what was received rather than who performed the action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was given" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice construction used to express that the speaker received something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It's important to consider the context to determine whether an active voice construction might be more appropriate for clarity and emphasis. Although widely accepted, it's best to ensure the giver is known or unimportant if using this phrase. As evident from the many examples, it appears frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific sources making it a versatile phrase applicable across various writing styles and purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received

Uses a more direct active voice verb, emphasizing the act of receiving.

I was provided with

Emphasizes the act of providing, often implying a more formal or official context.

I was granted

Suggests permission or authorization was given, not just a simple transfer.

I obtained

Suggests effort or action on the part of the subject to acquire something.

I was the recipient of

Formal and emphasizes the role of being the receiver.

I acquired

Similar to "obtained", but often implies a gradual or long-term process.

I came into possession of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "I received", often used for legal contexts.

Something was handed to me

More descriptive and informal, highlighting the physical act of giving.

I had conferred upon me

Suggests something bestowed as a formal honor or right.

I drew

Implies something was assigned randomly, as in a lottery or contest.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was given" to be more active?

You can rephrase "I was given" using active voice constructions like "Someone gave me", "I received", or "I obtained". The choice depends on the context and what you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "I was given" or "I received"?

"I was given" emphasizes the giver or the action of giving. "I received" emphasizes the act of receiving itself. Both are correct, but the nuance depends on the context. For example, you may say "I received a gift" or "I was given a second chance".

When is it appropriate to use "I was given"?

It's appropriate to use "I was given" when you want to emphasize that something was provided to you by an external source, especially when the source is known or relevant. This construction is also suitable when the action of giving is more important than the recipient.

What are some synonyms for "I was given" that maintain a formal tone?

Synonyms that maintain a formal tone include "I was provided with", "I was granted", or "I was bestowed with". These alternatives often suggest a more official or ceremonial context.