i was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was given" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: I was given the opportunity to speak at the conference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was given 12".

The New York Times - Health

I was given tasks".

The New Yorker

I was given no help.

Independent

I was given morphine.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was given water.

The Guardian

'I was given ECT.

The Guardian

I wish I was given a choice.

Independent

I was given 24 hours to decide.

Independent

I was given a new reference number.

The New York Times

What a present I was given".

The New Yorker

I was given a stress test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was given", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what provided the item or information. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I was give" instead of "I was given". "Given" is the past participle of "give" and is required in the passive voice construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was given" functions as a passive voice construction. This indicates that the subject (I) is the recipient of an action rather than the performer. Ludwig AI validates this grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was given" serves as a common and grammatically sound passive voice construction indicating that the speaker received something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts. While considered neutral in register, it frequently appears in news and media. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "I received". Remember to clearly specify the source of what was given for enhanced clarity. The phrase is very common, so it is widely used in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something was given to me

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the object being given.

i received

Emphasizes the act of receiving something directly.

i was handed

Implies a simple, direct act of giving something.

i obtained

Highlights the effort or process involved in getting something.

i acquired

Focuses on the act of gaining possession of something, possibly over time.

i was presented with

Suggests a formal or ceremonial giving of something.

i was awarded

Specifically indicates receiving something as a prize or honor.

i was granted

Implies permission or authorization to receive something.

i was the recipient of

A formal and indirect way of saying that one received something.

i came into possession of

A more formal way of saying that one received something.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I was presented with", "I was awarded", or "I received", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I was given" and "I received"?

"I was given" implies someone actively gave you something, while "I received" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily specify the giver. You might say "I received a package" without knowing who sent it, but "I was given a gift" implies someone handed it to you.

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

No, "I was give" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I was given", using the past participle of "give" in the passive voice.

How can I make the sentence "I was given" more specific?

Add details about who gave you something and what it was. For example, instead of just saying "I was given", say "I was given a book by my teacher".