it was given back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was given back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been returned to its original owner or place. Example: "After the investigation, the stolen painting was found and it was given back to the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was given back to PS, by his estate, after his death.

Cornell University

He made sure some of it was given back: on his watch he got the Ronald McDonald House Charities going, to help the families of children in hospital, and tried to present McDonald's as a benign community presence.

The Economist

"This extraordinary document happened to be sitting on our back shelf," said Mr. Burns, who used much of it in his own film and made sure it was given back to the Port Authority.

The New York Times

For Froome or Contador or whoever is leading, it's a day for controlling events, and trying to avoid a repetition of the derailed-chain episode on the Balès which lost Andy Schleck the 2010 Tour (until it was given back to him after Contador's positive test for clenbuterol).

The Guardian - Sport

"The screen we're genuinely not sure how it was given back or by whom.

BBC

When someone did not qualify, the coupon was retained – it was given back to the referring participant so that it could be given to someone else.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was giving back to the community.

The Guardian - Sport

He said the F.B.I. contacted him just hours before the trial to say it was giving back the documents to the National Security Directorate, from which they had been taken.

The New York Times

It's given back more than half of its advance since March of this year, and it's setting records now in decline.

Forbes

Another option, Rosenzweig says, is modifying the bone marrow before it's given back to patients.

Science Magazine

If only Florida could give him back his life as easily as it is giving back George Zimmerman's gun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was given back" to clearly indicate that something was returned to its original owner or place. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what 'it' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was given back" if the subject ('it') is ambiguous or not clearly defined in the preceding text. Always ensure the reader understands what is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was given back" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was returned to a previous owner or state. It highlights the action of returning rather than the actor performing the return. Ludwig AI validates this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was given back" is a grammatically correct and neutrally toned expression used to describe the act of returning something to its original source. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several real-world examples. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "it was returned", may be preferable in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was returned

Replaces 'given back' with a more formal synonym.

it was restored

Emphasizes the act of returning something to its original condition or place.

it was handed back

Uses 'handed' instead of 'given', implying a more direct transfer.

it was reverted

Describes a return to a previous state or owner.

it was repaid

Suitable when referring to the return of something owed, like a debt or favor.

it was sent back

Focuses on the physical action of returning something via mail or shipping.

it was refunded

Applies specifically to the return of money.

it was turned over

Suggests a transfer of responsibility or possession to someone else.

it was relinquished

Indicates a formal or official return of something, often power or control.

it was ceded

Similar to relinquished but often used in the context of territory or rights.

FAQs

What does "it was given back" mean?

The phrase "it was given back" means that something was returned to its original owner, possessor, or location. It implies a reversal of a previous transfer or taking.

When is it appropriate to use "it was given back"?

Use "it was given back" when you want to emphasize the act of returning something specifically to its original source. It's appropriate when the return is a significant part of the narrative.

What can I say instead of "it was given back"?

You can use alternatives like "it was returned", "it was restored", or "it was handed back" depending on the context.

Is "it was given back" formal or informal?

"It was given back" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though "it was returned" might be preferred in more formal writing.