I was granted

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was granted" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that you were given something you wanted or needed, typically after a process or application. Example: After several weeks of waiting, I was granted a scholarship to help pay for college.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was granted an interview with two officials, who refused to be named.

The New Yorker

I was granted a licence and given the data but I can't share it with anyone.

The Guardian

After waiting for a harrowing two years I was granted refugee status.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I started paying taxes to the UK the day I was granted refugee status," he said.

The Guardian

So then I was granted the biggest team in the world, and it was, like, great".

The Guardian - Music

I applied in June 2012 and within a month I was granted asylum.

The Guardian

Chlotar I was granted the old Frankish country north of the Somme and an ill-defined area in Aquitaine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though I generally test cars for a week, I was granted barely an hour's audience with the Bugatti.

The New York Times

I was granted an audience with him in his art gallery, where he makes and paints ceramic pigs.

The Guardian - Travel

Officials had been reluctant to let me in, but I was granted access on the condition that I not reveal the plant's location.

The New York Times

"I was granted independence, freedom, and I didn't have to get involved in the ambitions and problems that involved other artists.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was granted" when you want to emphasize that you received something formally, officially, or after a request or application process. It implies permission or authorization.

Common error

Avoid using "I was giving" when you mean "I was granted". "I was giving" means you were the one doing the granting, not the recipient. Ensure the verb tense and voice align with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was granted" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) received something (permission, access, etc.) from an external source. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was granted" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that the speaker received something formally or with permission. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency and applicability span various contexts, from news reports to personal narratives. While alternatives like "I received" or "I was given" exist, "I was granted" emphasizes the act of being formally permitted or authorized. Therefore, it's best employed when highlighting the official or procedural aspect of receiving something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was permitted

This alternative emphasizes that permission was given, highlighting the allowance aspect.

I was authorized

This suggests official approval or empowerment, indicating a formal context.

I was allowed

This is a simpler and more direct way of saying permission was given.

I received

This alternative is more direct, focusing on the act of receiving without necessarily implying permission or authorization.

I was afforded

This option conveys a sense of opportunity or privilege being provided.

I was given

This option is similar in meaning but less formal than the original phrase.

I obtained

This highlights the effort made to acquire something, suggesting a more active role than simply being granted.

I secured

This emphasizes the effort and competition involved in obtaining something.

I earned

This focuses on the effort made to be granted something as a reward.

I came into possession of

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring something.

FAQs

How can I use "I was granted" in a sentence?

Use "I was granted" to indicate that you received something, such as permission, access, or a privilege, after it was formally given. For example, "I was granted an interview with the CEO".

What is a more formal alternative to "I was granted"?

A more formal alternative could be "I was authorized" or "I was permitted". These options convey a higher degree of formality and official approval.

What's the difference between "I was granted" and "I received"?

"I was granted" implies that something was formally given or permitted, often after a request. "I received" is more general and simply indicates the act of getting something, without necessarily implying permission or authorization.

Can I use "I was granted" in informal contexts?

While "I was granted" is suitable for formal writing, in informal contexts, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "I was given" or "I got". These options are less formal and more conversational.