he was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone received something, often in a passive construction. Example: "He was given the opportunity to lead the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was given two.

The New York Times - Sports

He was given extra time.

The New York Times

He was given more atropine.

The New Yorker

He was given five minutes.

The New Yorker

He was given one patient.

The New York Times - Arts

He was given eleven years.

The New Yorker

He was given an I.Q.

The New Yorker

He was given permission.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was given India.

The New York Times - Books

He was given a technical foul.

The New York Times - Sports

He was given a 19-year sentence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was given" to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the giver. For example, "He was given a scholarship" focuses on his achievement.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive voice with "he was given" is more appropriate to maintain focus on the recipient of the action. For example, instead of "Someone gave him a prize," use "He was given a prize" to emphasize his reception of the award.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received something. Ludwig examples show its use in various scenarios, such as receiving permission, awards, or information. It is used to shift focus from the actor to the recipient of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was given" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate that an individual received something, shifting focus to the recipient of the action. It is versatile across different registers, from formal reports to everyday news, and commonly appears in sources like The New York Times and scientific publications. While alternatives such as "he received" exist, "he was given" maintains a neutral tone and widespread applicability, making it a valuable part of any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he received

Replaces the passive voice with an active one, making the sentence more direct.

he was awarded

Suggests a formal recognition or honor, implying a more significant bestowal.

he obtained

Indicates effort or action on his part to acquire something.

he was granted

Implies permission or authorization was given to him.

he came into possession of

A more formal way of saying he received something, often used in legal or official contexts.

he was presented with

Emphasizes the act of giving or offering something to him.

he had bestowed upon him

Suggests a generous or formal act of giving something of value.

he was the recipient of

A formal phrase emphasizing his role as the receiver.

something was handed to him

Highlights the physical act of giving something.

he earned

Implicates that "he" did something to deserve what he got.

FAQs

How can I use "he was given" in a sentence?

The phrase "he was given" is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that someone received something. For example, "He was given a second chance" or "He was given permission to leave".

What can I say instead of "he was given"?

You can use alternatives like "he received", "he was awarded", or "he obtained" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he was give" instead of "he was given"?

No, "he was give" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "he was given", which uses the past participle of the verb 'give'.

What is the difference between "he was given" and "he gave"?

"He was given" is in the passive voice, meaning he received something from someone else. "He gave" is in the active voice, meaning he provided something to someone else.