I was given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone was assigned or entrusted to someone or something, often in a context of care or responsibility. Example: "I was given to the care of my grandparents when I was a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The book I was given to read was the Bible.

The New Yorker

I was given to understand that this will never happen.

The New Yorker

Even back then, I was given to extravagance.

The New York Times

"I was given to believe he didn't want to be part of the England set-up.

Independent

So when I was given to him, I counted myself among the lucky ones.

The Guardian

"But you see I was so lucky with the stories I was given to read.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

One day Sylvia called to thank me for the care I was giving to this patient.

The New York Times

I wanted him to sign the copy I was giving to my son for Christmas.

Huffington Post

"OK, 15 years – I'm given to exaggeration".

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Neither, I'm given to understand, is serious medically both I tell you from experience can be cripplingly painful.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was given to" to express a past tendency, ensure it clearly conveys the sense of inclination rather than direct assignment. For example, "Even as a child, I was given to extravagance".

Common error

Avoid using "I was given to" when you mean "I gave to". The passive construction implies something was bestowed upon you, not that you initiated the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was given to" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating either an inclination towards something or the act of being entrusted to someone. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage effectively, showing both instances where it signifies a tendency and where it denotes assignment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Books

14%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was given to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase with two primary meanings: indicating a past inclination or tendency, and denoting the act of being entrusted to someone's care or responsibility. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in a variety of contexts. While the register is generally neutral, its usage is more common in writing than in casual speech, and is most frequently encountered in news, books, and opinion pieces. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding which meaning is intended, and avoid confusing it with active constructions like "I gave to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was entrusted with

Focuses on the responsibility or duty implied in being given something.

I was assigned to

Highlights the act of being officially designated or allocated to a task or person.

I was inclined to

Indicates a natural tendency or predisposition towards something, rather than a direct assignment.

I was predisposed to

Similar to 'inclined to', but suggests a stronger, inherent tendency.

I had a tendency to

Emphasizes a habitual or recurring behavior.

I was in the habit of

Highlights a routine or custom that has been established.

I was known to

Suggests a reputation or general awareness of one's actions.

I was apt to

Implies a natural or inherent likelihood of doing something.

I was liable to

Indicates a possibility or risk of something happening, often with negative connotations.

I was prone to

Highlights a vulnerability or susceptibility to certain actions or conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "I was given to" in a sentence?

You can use "I was given to" to describe a past tendency or inclination (e.g., "I was given to fits of crying"). It can also indicate that you were entrusted to someone's care (e.g., "I was given to my grandparents when my parents traveled").

What does "I was given to understand" mean?

"I was given to understand" means that you received information or an impression, typically indirectly, suggesting that something is the case. It implies you were led to believe something without being explicitly told.

What can I say instead of "I was given to understand"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I understood", "I was led to believe", or "I gathered" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "I was given to" and "I gave to"?

"I was given to" is a passive construction meaning something was provided or entrusted to you. "I gave to" is an active construction meaning you provided something to someone else.