be given over

USAGE SUMMARY

"be given over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the act of something being assigned or devoted to a particular purpose or cause. For example, "The remaining funds were given over to charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eventually, it will be given over to housing.

The Economist

The final hour, he said, will be given over to living American composers.

The New York Times - Arts

Eventually, whole neighbourhoods of water-threatened land could be given over to the seas.

The Guardian

Reviewing stand should be given over to those who sold their stock before Sept. 1st.

The New Yorker

The Hamburger Bahnhof will in turn be given over to contemporary art.

The New York Times - Arts

Further detail has still to be given over some discretionary payments.

The Guardian

The third floor will be given over entirely to equipment and ventilation.

The New York Times

Prime time will be given over to two quiz shows and a talent contest.

The Economist

Driving time could be given over to working, snoozing or browsing the web.

The Economist

Part of the existing road would be given over to new leisure areas.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Young children should not be given over-the-counter medications, such as Pepto-Bismol or antihistamines.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be given over" when you want to express that something is being dedicated or assigned for a specific purpose or use. For example, "The land will be given over to conservation efforts."

Common error

Ensure the subject receiving the action is clearly defined. Avoid using "be given over" when an active construction would be clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given over" functions as a passive construction indicating the action of dedicating, assigning, or transferring something to a specific purpose or entity. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts, emphasizing its role in conveying assignment or dedication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be given over" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of dedicating, assigning, or transferring something for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig, this passive construction is grammatically sound and frequently appears in neutral and professional contexts. Its primary function is to inform or explain the intended use or destination of a subject, as seen in examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. When writing, ensure clarity by defining the subject receiving the action and considering more direct, active constructions where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be dedicated to

Focuses on commitment to a specific purpose.

be assigned to

Implies a formal allocation or tasking.

be devoted to

Highlights passionate commitment or use.

be allocated to

Suggests a distribution or allotment for a specific use.

be turned over to

Emphasizes a transfer of control or responsibility.

be transferred to

Focuses on the act of moving something from one place or use to another.

be consigned to

Implies a less desirable or final assignment.

be handed over to

Highlights the act of physically or formally transferring something.

be surrendered to

Conveys a sense of yielding or relinquishing control.

be yielded to

Implies giving way or conceding to something.

FAQs

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

Use "be given over" to indicate that something is being dedicated or assigned to a particular purpose. For example, "The building will "be given over" to housing for the homeless."

What does "be given over" mean?

It means that something is dedicated, assigned, or yielded to a specific purpose or entity. It often implies a formal or official transfer.

Which is correct, "be given over to" or "be given over for"?

"Be given over to" is the more common and grammatically sound choice when indicating the recipient or purpose. "Be given over for" is less frequent but acceptable when specifying a reason.

What can I say instead of "be given over"?

You can use alternatives like "be dedicated to", "be assigned to", or "be devoted to" depending on the context.