be given presents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be given presents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of receiving gifts or presents, often in a passive construction. Example: "On her birthday, she was excited to be given presents by her friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

You are never too old to be given presents in a sock.

The Guardian

Depending on the home, we would be given presents and there would be a nice meal.

The New York Times

You don't expect to be given presents by customs officials, though if that commemorative pen was a surprise, the manner in which it was slapped into my palm was not.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Children's book author Doreen Rappaport says: "Our family decided that we will not be giving presents to the grandchildren this year.

Huffington Post

"But they shouldn't be giving presents to foreign mining companies at the expense of the American people".

Los Angeles Times

The prisoners might have been given presents to mark the occasion.

The Guardian

WHEN we see other people being given presents, we tend to want one ourselves.

The Economist

After you're cut you're given presents, chocolates, sweets – me and my sister actually got gold watches.

Independent

Among the Kamba of eastern Africa, who perform similar puberty rites of passage, those initiated into adulthood are given presents, and offerings are made to the ancestors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During these last years of his life the old man was kindly - giving away dimes, and having Christmas parties for his neighbors at which the children were given presents.

The New Yorker

If a woman questions anything, she is given "presents" of slaps and verbal abuse.

BMC Women's Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be given presents" to emphasize the act of receiving rather than the act of giving. This passive construction is suitable when the giver is unknown or less important than the receiver.

Common error

Avoid using active voice constructions when you intend to emphasize the receiver. Instead of saying "Someone gave her presents", use "She was given presents" to focus on her receiving them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given presents" functions as a passive construction where the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI indicates this is a valid construction. Examples show it used to describe the act of receiving gifts, highlighting the experience of the receiver.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be given presents" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to describe the act of receiving gifts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for emphasizing the recipient and is found across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the passive voice aligns with your intended focus on the receiver, and consider more formal alternatives like "be presented with gifts" for highly formal settings. By avoiding active voice when emphasizing the receiver, you maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive gifts

This alternative is a more direct and active way of expressing the same concept.

be presented with gifts

This alternative emphasizes the formality of the presentation of the gifts.

get presents

This alternative is a more informal and straightforward way to express receiving gifts.

be awarded gifts

This alternative implies a formal recognition or achievement associated with receiving the gifts.

be the recipient of gifts

This alternative highlights the role of the person receiving the gifts.

have gifts bestowed upon

This alternative emphasizes the act of giving and can sound more formal or ceremonial.

be handed gifts

This alternative focuses on the physical action of giving something by hand.

be treated to gifts

This alternative suggests that the gifts are a form of special treatment or indulgence.

be favored with gifts

This alternative indicates that receiving the gifts is a sign of being favored or blessed.

be blessed with gifts

This alternative emphasizes the positive and fortunate aspect of receiving gifts.

FAQs

What is the difference between "be given presents" and "receive gifts"?

"Be given presents" is in the passive voice, emphasizing the receiver of the gift, while "receive gifts" is in the active voice, focusing on the action of receiving. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

Is "be given presents" formal or informal?

The phrase "be given presents" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "be presented with gifts" might be more appropriate for highly formal settings.

What are some synonyms for "be given presents"?

Synonyms include "receive gifts", "be presented with gifts", and "be awarded gifts". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

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

You can use "be given presents" in sentences like: "For her birthday, she will be given presents by her family" or "The children were excited to be given presents on Christmas morning".