it was presented to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was presented to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of formally showing or delivering something to someone, often in a context of awards, information, or documents. Example: "The award was presented to the winner during the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At the time I was preparing the presentation, it was presented to me as being solid," the secretary said.

The New York Times

He declined to discuss its contents until it was presented to the mayor.

The New York Times - Arts

It was presented to the college by Elihu Root, its most distinguished almunus, whose estate is at Clinton.

The New Yorker

It was presented to Lincoln Center in 1965.

The New York Times

That's how it was presented to me.

The New York Times

"That's how it was presented to me," Mr. Wescott said.

The New York Times

It was presented to the French on June 26.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was presented to the Department for Education and Skills the following month.

The Guardian

It was presented to the Easton Historical Society by Mr. Bradley's great granddaughter as a gift.

The New York Times

It was presented to both sides by President Clinton at Shepherdstown.

The New York Times

It was presented to Mrs. Lilly in August, 2005, on her ninetieth birthday.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was presented to" when you want to emphasize the formal act of giving or introducing something, whether it's an award, information, or a proposal. This passive construction highlights the receiver.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive voice construction of "it was presented to" with an active voice if the focus is on the recipient rather than the presenter. For example, instead of "John presented it to the committee", use "it was presented to the committee" to keep the focus on the committee's reception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was presented to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was formally given or shown to a recipient. It shifts the focus from the presenter to the recipient or the thing being presented, aligning with Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was presented to" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the formal act of giving or showing something to someone. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is typically used in a passive voice to emphasize the recipient or the item being presented, rather than the presenter. It's prevalent in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When writing, consider whether the focus should be on the presenter or the recipient to determine if the active or passive voice is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was given to

Replaces "presented" with "given", emphasizing the act of handing something over.

it was handed over to

Highlights the transfer of possession or responsibility.

it was submitted to

Focuses on the act of formally providing something for consideration.

it was offered to

Emphasizes the act of making something available.

it was introduced to

Highlights the act of making something known or available for the first time.

it was shown to

Focuses on the act of displaying or revealing something.

it was awarded to

Specifically used when something is given as a prize or honor.

it was furnished to

Emphasizes the act of providing or supplying something.

it was conferred upon

Suggests a formal or ceremonial granting of something.

it was entrusted to

Implies a responsibility or duty associated with the giving.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was presented to" to sound more active?

You can rephrase it to use active voice constructions like "[Subject] presented it to [Recipient]", but be aware that this shifts the focus to the presenter rather than the recipient. For example, instead of "It was presented to the board", you could say "The CEO presented it to the board".

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

While both phrases indicate a transfer, "it was presented to" often implies a more formal or ceremonial context compared to "it was given to". For example, an award might be presented, while a gift might be given.

Is "it was presented to me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was presented to me" is grammatically correct. It's a passive voice construction indicating that something was formally given or shown to you. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig confirm its widespread use.

What are some alternative words for "presented" in the phrase "it was presented to"?

Alternatives include "given to", "submitted to", "offered to", and "introduced to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.