be given a gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be given a gift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of receiving a gift from someone else. Example: "On her birthday, she was thrilled to be given a gift from her best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Before, I was waiting to be given a gift; now I expect only loss.

The New Yorker

Or with the Exxon?" She didn't know how to say what it felt like to be given a gift.

The New Yorker

No one wants to be given a gift in a plastic bag with a receipt crinkled up at the bottom.

The New York Times

Customers also will be given a gift code for 25 percent off clothing bought at Edun.com that can be offered to people online.

The New York Times

A further 38 per cent regarded fresh flowers as a waste of money, while 70 per cent said they would prefer to be given a gift that lasts forever, the Evening Standard reported.

Independent

Gove ends his letter by suggesting that if insufficient taxpayer funds are available a private donation could be sought, before making a naked departmental bid for every schoolchild or school to be given a gift as a permanent reminder of the event.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

You may be giving a gift this holiday season that could make a similar attack possible.

Huffington Post

And I realized that — despite everything — I have been given a gift, the gift of inquisitiveness.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was given a gift and that's what I do," he said.

Independent

They have been given a gift; they would be wise not to reject it.

The New York Times

I was given a gift, and that's what I do".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, make sure the context clearly indicates who is giving the gift and who is receiving it to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase when the active voice is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "She was given a gift by him", consider "He gave her a gift".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given a gift" functions as a passive construction, where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the actor. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the experience of receiving something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be given a gift" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the act of receiving a gift. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. While not overly common, it appears in a variety of contexts, primarily news and media and science-related sources. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when the focus is on the recipient of the gift and the experience of receiving, rather than the giver. Alternatives include "receive a present" or "be presented with a gift", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive a present

Focuses on the act of receiving a tangible item.

be handed a gift

Highlights the physical act of transferring the gift.

be presented with a gift

Emphasizes the formal act of bestowing a gift.

be the recipient of a gift

A formal way to emphasize the role of the person receiving the gift.

get a gift

A more informal and direct way of saying "be given a gift".

acquire a gift

Focuses on the act of getting possession of a gift.

obtain a gift

Similar to acquire, but might imply a more deliberate effort to get the gift.

be awarded a prize

Refers to receiving something in recognition of achievement.

be granted a favor

Highlights the act of receiving a special consideration or act of kindness.

be bestowed a blessing

Implies receiving something of great value and positive impact, often with a spiritual connotation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be given a gift" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you might use "be presented with a gift" or "be the recipient of a gift".

What's a more casual way to say "be given a gift"?

Informally, you could say "get a gift" or "receive a gift". These options are more direct and suitable for everyday conversation.

Is it grammatically correct to use "be given a gift"?

Yes, "be given a gift" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that someone is the recipient of a gift. Ludwig AI confirms this acceptability.

When should I use "be given a gift" instead of "receive a gift"?

While both are correct, "be given a gift" emphasizes the giver less and the receiver more. Use "receive a gift" when the act of receiving is the focus, and "be given a gift" when highlighting the experience of the recipient.