I was presented with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was presented with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone has been given or shown something, often in a formal or passive context. Example: "During the meeting, I was presented with several options for the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was presented with the facts," he said in Washington.

The New York Times

The next day, I was presented with three bells.

The New York Times - Travel

I was presented with casual racism on a regular basis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I was presented with a flood of morally challenging temptations.

The Guardian

"No good!" I was presented with a quandary.

The New York Times

I was presented with a beautiful bouquet of white roses.

Independent

"I was presented with a huge dilemma when I was handed the blood capsule.

The Guardian - Sport

The only negative was when I was presented with the bill.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when I attempted to delete my account, I was presented with a £15 charge.

The Guardian - Tech

As a scientist I was presented with a unique opportunity, astronomy had reached the market square.

The Guardian

The next 20 minutes were a blur as I was presented with a series of forms for signature.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was presented with" to describe formal situations where you received something significant, such as an award or opportunity. For less formal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "I received" or "I was given".

Common error

Avoid using "I was presented with" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "I got" or "I found" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was presented with" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (I) received something from an unspecified agent. It emphasizes the reception rather than the giver. Examples from Ludwig show this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was presented with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the reception of something, as validated by Ludwig. It's particularly common in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "I received" or "I was given" may be more appropriate in informal situations. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in describing various experiences, from receiving awards to facing challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a reliable and effective way to convey the act of receiving something, provided it aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received

A more direct and simple way of saying something was given to you.

I was given

Similar to "I received", but emphasizes the act of giving.

I was offered

Emphasizes being given an opportunity or choice.

I obtained

Implies effort in acquiring something.

I was afforded

A more formal way of saying an opportunity was given.

I encountered

Highlights facing a situation or problem, rather than receiving something positive.

I was furnished with

A formal way to indicate that something was provided or supplied.

I faced

Focuses on confronting a challenge or difficulty.

I had the opportunity to

Focuses on the chance to do something, rather than receiving a tangible item.

I came across

Indicates finding something unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I use "I was presented with" in a sentence?

Use "I was presented with" to describe receiving something, often in a formal setting. For example, "I was presented with an award for my achievements" or "I was presented with a challenging new project".

What can I say instead of "I was presented with"?

You can use alternatives like "I received", "I was given", or "<a href="/s/I+encountered" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "I was presented with"?

It's appropriate in formal contexts such as official reports, business communications, or academic papers. In informal settings, simpler alternatives are usually preferable.

Is "I was presented with" passive voice?

Yes, "I was presented with" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be something like "They presented me with..."