be given a present

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He knew he was to be given a present, but after being showered with silly string, was faced with every man's nightmare – carpet slippers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One tells of him being given a present of a Galápagos turtle.

The Guardian

One, recounted in the New Yorker this week, tells of him being given a present of a Galapagos turtle.

The Guardian

One childhood friend, Laura Cecil, recalls being given a present of a scene from The Love Of Three Oranges, "which, of course, I had never heard of.

The Guardian

As he left, he was given a present - the name plaque from his door, with his title picked out in modern lettering.

The Guardian

A great movie will be just as good with mediocre titles, but if the titles are great too, it's as though the audience has been given a present.

The New York Times - Style

She sat there with that chewed-in yet absent-minded smile on her face, as if she'd been given a present that she knew she'd like, even though she hadn't got the wrapping off it yet.

The New Yorker

Days before the press conference, each of the 300 guests – analysts, journalists, investors and Amazon's most diehard of customers – was given a present: Bezos's favourite book, Mr Pine's Purple House.

The Guardian

She sounded a little disappointed, like she'd been given a present and then had it taken away.

Huffington Post

The next day I'm given a present as part of a secret Santa gift exchange, and I'm actually much happier than normal.

Vice

"Kate was given a present for a newborn today and joked to William: 'We will just have to have more babies,'" Murphy reported via Twitter.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be given a present", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the present and who is receiving it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be given a present by themselves". The phrase implies someone else is giving the present, so ensure an external agent is involved to make sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given a present" functions as a passive construction indicating the reception of a gift. As seen in Ludwig, this construction highlights the recipient rather than the giver. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be given a present" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for describing the act of receiving a gift. According to Ludwig, its usage is appropriate in a variety of contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "be presented with a gift". Understanding the passive construction is key to avoiding common errors. With an expert rating of 4.5, it's clear that "be given a present" is a reliable and effective way to communicate the reception of a gift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive a gift

Direct synonym focusing on the act of receiving.

be presented with a gift

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of presentation.

be gifted with

Emphasizes the positive aspect of receiving a gift.

have a gift bestowed upon

More elaborate, emphasizing the act of bestowing.

be the recipient of a gift

Formal and somewhat impersonal.

be handed a present

Focuses on the physical act of handing over the gift.

be awarded a prize

Suggests a competition or achievement.

acquire a treasure

Focuses on gaining something valuable.

secure a boon

Suggests gaining an advantage or benefit.

come into possession of a gift

Formal and legalistic.

FAQs

What does "be given a present" mean?

The phrase "be given a present" means to receive a gift from someone. It uses passive voice, indicating that the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it.

What is a more formal way to say "be given a present"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is to "be presented with a gift". This phrasing is often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

How can I use "be given a present" in a sentence?

You can use "be given a present" in a sentence like: "For her birthday, she was thrilled to "be given a present" from her grandmother."

Are there alternatives to "be given a present" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "receive a gift" or "be gifted with" depending on the context.