each was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "each was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individual items or people receiving something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "In the ceremony, each was given a medal to honor their achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each was given a Wii.

The New York Times

Each was given a time limit for each repetition.

The New York Times - Sports

Each was given a beautiful new design, renewed purpose — and a 20percentt price hike.

The Washington Post

Each was given a 10-year jail sentence in the Southport district court last month.

The Guardian - Money

Each was given a new moniker by Dean Adam Baddesdes" and so on.

The Guardian

Each was given their own room, equipped with a chair, sofa, and record player.

The Guardian

Each was given three years in prison and seven on probation.

The Guardian

Each was given a single oral dose of 500 mg azithromycin.

Pharmacological Reports

So each was given a piece, stoking the country's interest in Mr. Tebow.

The New York Times

Each was given a standardised reading test while his or her brain was scanned by DTI.

The Economist

To anthropomorphize the bugs, each was given a name: Muffin, Ike, or Tootsie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary sentence structure by occasionally using "they were each given" to avoid monotony.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the group or individuals to whom "each" refers. Ensure the pronoun has a clear and immediate antecedent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "each was given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that every member of a defined group received something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. It shows that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "each was given" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that conveys the distribution of something to individual members of a group. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered correct and appears most often in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, ensure the referent of "each" is unambiguous. Consider related phrases like "each received" or "each was awarded" for stylistic variation. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors such as pronoun ambiguity, writers can effectively and accurately use "each was given" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each received

Replaces "was given" with a more direct and common verb.

they were each given

Reorders the sentence structure for emphasis.

each person was given

More specific, highlighting that recipients are people.

each obtained

Suggests effort or process in acquiring something.

each acquired

Similar to "obtained", implies gaining possession.

each was awarded

Implies a formal recognition or prize.

each was granted

Suggests permission or official authorization.

each was allocated

Implies a specific portion or share being assigned.

each was provided with

More formal and emphasizes the act of supplying.

every individual was given

More formal and emphasizes the individuality of each recipient.

FAQs

What does "each was given" mean?

The phrase "each was given" means that every individual in a group received something. It indicates a distribution of items or opportunities to multiple recipients.

How can I rephrase "each was given" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives like "each was awarded", "each was granted", or "each was provided with".

Is it correct to say "every was given" instead of "each was given"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect to say "every was given". The correct phrasing is "each was given" when referring to individual members of a group receiving something.

What's the difference between "each was given" and "all were given"?

"Each was given" emphasizes the individual distribution to every member of a group, while "all were given" emphasizes the collective receiving the same thing. For example, "each student was given a book" versus "all students were given access to the library".