it was given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was given to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something was provided or handed over to someone or something in the past. Example: "The award was given to the best student in the class during the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was given to us.

The New Yorker

"It was given to me.

The Washington Post

Because it was given to me.

The Guardian

It was given to Chris Duhon.

The New York Times

It was given to me," wrote Nobel poet Czesław Miłosz.

Stanford University

"It was given to me," Mr. Moser said.

The New York Times

It was given to the college by Lieut.

The New York Times - Arts

It was given to me by my mother.

The New York Times - Style

"It was given to me by a client," he says.

The New York Times

It was given to the National Trust in 1946.

The Guardian - Arts

"It was given to me by my neighbour," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was given to", ensure the context clearly identifies both the item being given and the recipient. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice with "it was given to", as it can sometimes obscure the actor (the giver). If the giver is important, consider using the active voice for a more direct and engaging sentence. For example, instead of "The award was given to her by the committee", write "The committee gave the award to her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was given to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was transferred or provided to someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was given to" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive construction used to emphasize the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI states, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly where the giver is unknown or less important than the receiver. It is frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies both the item and recipient to avoid ambiguity and consider using active voice when the giver's identity is important for enhanced clarity. Several alternative phrases exist, such as "it was granted to" and "it was awarded to", offering nuanced ways to express the transfer of something to someone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was granted to

Emphasizes a formal or official conferral.

it was awarded to

Specifically relates to prizes, honors, or recognitions.

it was presented to

Highlights a ceremonial or formal handing over.

it was bequeathed to

Suggests the transfer occurred through a will or inheritance.

it was handed over to

Implies a physical transfer of possession.

it was passed on to

Indicates a transfer from one person or generation to another.

it was entrusted to

Highlights the aspect of trust and responsibility in the transfer.

it was conferred upon

Similar to 'granted', but often used in more elevated or ceremonial contexts.

it was allocated to

Suggests a formal distribution or assignment of resources.

it was assigned to

Indicates a task or duty was given to someone.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was granted to", "it was conferred upon", or "it was bestowed upon", depending on the context.

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

"It was given to" is a general phrase for transferring something. "It was awarded to" specifically implies that the item was given as a prize or honor, based on merit or achievement.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "it was given to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, especially when you want to emphasize the recipient of the action or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For example: "It was given to him as a token of appreciation."

What are some alternatives to "it was given to" in less formal contexts?

In less formal settings, you could use phrases like "it was handed to", "it was passed on to", or simply "he/she got it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.