it was given

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was given" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in place of "it was handed," "it was granted," or other similar phrases. For example: "The award was given to the employee who exceeded their job expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was given its name by the archaeologist, Cunnigham.

Wikipedia

It was given more time.

The New York Times

It was given to us.

The New Yorker

It was given a health warning.

The Guardian

It was given city status in 1889.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It was given to me.

The Washington Post

It was given by God.

The New York Times

It was given by the local authorities.

Yale University

It was given at 3 55 a.m.

Cornell University

It was given the comforting name Classic.

Harvard Business Review

It was given a simultaneous digital release.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey. "It was given" is a general phrase. Alternatives like "it was granted" or "it was bestowed" can add a more specific tone.

Common error

While "it was given" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak or indirect. Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use active voice for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was given" primarily functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that something was transferred or provided by an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was given" functions as a passive construction, indicating the transfer or provision of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, alternative phrases like "it was granted" or "it was bestowed" can add nuance. When using "it was given", ensure clarity regarding the giver and receiver. Avoid overuse of the passive voice to maintain a strong, direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was provided

Replaces 'given' with 'provided', offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning.

it was granted

Substitutes 'given' with 'granted', emphasizing the act of bestowing something as a right or privilege.

it was awarded

Uses 'awarded' instead of 'given', suggesting a formal recognition or prize.

it was presented

Replaces 'given' with 'presented', highlighting the act of formally offering something.

it was conferred

Employs 'conferred', which implies a formal or official bestowal of something like a title or honor.

it was bestowed

Substitutes 'given' with 'bestowed', indicating a generous or formal act of giving.

it was handed over

Replaces 'given' with 'handed over', emphasizing the transfer of possession.

it was passed on

Uses 'passed on' instead of 'given', suggesting the transfer of something from one person or entity to another, often through generations.

it was supplied

Substitutes 'given' with 'supplied', focusing on the act of providing something that is needed.

it was allocated

Employs 'allocated' to indicate a specific portion or resource being assigned or given for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was given" is used to indicate that something was provided or presented to someone. For example, "The award "it was given" to the most innovative student."

What are some alternatives to "it was given"?

Alternatives include "it was provided", "it was granted", or "it was awarded" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was given" passive or active voice?

"It was given" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would require specifying who gave it; for example, "She gave it".

What's the difference between "it was given" and "it was offered"?

"It was given" implies that something was actually transferred or provided, while "it was offered" means that something was proposed or made available, but not necessarily accepted or received.