given over to

USAGE SUMMARY

"given over to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something being devoted to or surrendered to something else. For example, "The country was given over to a new leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Monday was given over to field trips.

The New York Times

A full wall is given over to men in leather.

The Guardian

These days it is almost entirely given over to tourism.

The New York Times - Travel

"Entire neighbourhoods are given over to open prostitution".

The Guardian - Sport

And finally the procession was given over to the pilgrims.

The New York Times

Instead they were betrayed and given over to the army.

The New York Times

The opposite wall had been given over to the women.

The New Yorker

The 50th St. side is given over to service entrances.

The New Yorker

Still, lunch is not given over to shop talk.

The New York Times

Much of the book, though, is given over to dreams no actual object could realise.

The Guardian - Books

The bulk of the programme, however, was given over to Russian classics.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given over to" when emphasizing the allocation or dedication of resources, time, or space to a specific purpose. For example, "The afternoon was given over to training exercises."

Common error

Avoid using "given over to" when an active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The task was given over to her", consider "She was assigned the task."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given over to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used in the passive voice to indicate that something is dedicated, allocated, or surrendered for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given over to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is dedicated or allocated for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's correct and usable in written English. As demonstrated by the numerous examples from Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it can appear in more formal settings, it maintains a generally neutral tone. Consider alternatives like "dedicated to" or "devoted to" for nuanced meanings. Be mindful of using the active voice when it provides a clearer and more direct expression. "Given over to" effectively conveys the allocation of resources, time, or space to a specific end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoted to

Focuses on dedication or commitment to a specific purpose or entity.

dedicated to

Similar to 'devoted to', but often implies a formal or official allocation.

allocated to

Highlights the assignment or distribution of resources to a specific purpose.

assigned to

Emphasizes the act of designating something for a particular use or person.

consigned to

Suggests a less willing surrender or allocation, often with negative connotations.

surrendered to

Implies yielding control or possession to another entity or force.

yielded to

Similar to 'surrendered to', but can also imply a natural or inevitable process.

turned over to

Focuses on the physical act of transferring something to someone else.

entrusted to

Highlights the act of placing something in someone's care or responsibility.

relinquished to

Indicates a formal or legal surrender of rights or possession.

FAQs

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

Use "given over to" to indicate that something is dedicated or allocated for a specific purpose. For instance, "The entire day was given over to preparations for the event."

What's the difference between "given over to" and "devoted to"?

"Given over to" implies a transfer or allocation, whereas "devoted to" suggests a strong commitment or dedication. "The land was given over to agriculture" versus "She is devoted to her family".

Which is correct, "given over to" or "handed over to"?

Both are correct, but they have different meanings. "Given over to" means dedicated or allocated, while "handed over to" implies a transfer of possession or control.

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

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