service was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "service was given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a service has been provided or rendered to someone. Example: "The customer was satisfied because the service was given promptly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Any student who wanted to attend the service was given the afternoon off.

The New York Times

Lip service was given to bipartisanship while Republicans were bashed at every opportunity.

The New York Times

But the return of the Concorde to service was given all the publicity of a triumph over adversity.

The New York Times

The award for outstanding wine service was given to Daniel in New York and its sommelier, Jean-Luc Le Dû.

The New York Times - Food

The HR director, asked to leave the business after only 12 months' service, was given a £2.5m payoff.

The Guardian - Business

The new state postal service was given a monopoly for the collection, conveyance, and delivery of letters, printed papers, and newspapers, and a uniform tariff was established.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The focus of the service was giving support to patients and caregivers.

BMC Health Services Research

This award for meritorious service is given to both civilians and military personnel who are not eligible for admission into any of the five classes of the order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here, passengers on the southbound service are given a half-hour break to get some fresh air; northbound travellers get only five minutes.

Independent

Ms. Foley also writes that lip service is given to the importance of great designers when, in fact, serious focus on craft and artistry has diminished.

The New York Times

To a huge extent, what isn't eaten by the customers over service is given to the floor staff, chefs and reception".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "service was given", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the service and to whom. Clarity is essential in passive voice constructions.

Common error

Avoid using "service was given" without specifying who gave the service. Passive voice can obscure responsibility; ensure the agent is clear or unimportant to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "service was given" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that a service has been provided or rendered, with the focus on the recipient of the service rather than the provider. As shown in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used in various contexts to describe the act of providing something of value or assistance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "service was given" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive voice construction to describe the provision of a service. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered correct and applicable across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media and scientific sources, suggesting a neutral register. While grammatically acceptable, it's advisable to ensure clarity by specifying the agent providing the service, if relevant. Alternatives like "service was provided" or "service was rendered" can offer subtle variations in formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the service was provided

Replaces "given" with "provided", a direct synonym, maintaining the passive voice and meaning.

the service was rendered

Substitutes "given" with "rendered", a more formal synonym, still expressing the passive voice.

a service was bestowed

Replaces "given" with "bestowed", emphasizing a more formal or generous allocation of service.

the service was offered

Replaces "given" with "offered", focusing on the act of making the service available.

the service was granted

Substitutes "given" with "granted", suggesting a permission or authorization aspect to the service.

the service was supplied

Replaces "given" with "supplied", highlighting the act of furnishing or providing the service.

the service was presented

Substitutes "given" with "presented", often used when the service is being introduced or showcased.

the service was administered

Replaces "given" with "administered", used when the service involves a structured or managerial process.

the service was extended

Substitutes "given" with "extended", suggesting a service that is prolonged or expanded.

service was made available

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize accessibility, changing the structure while maintaining the core meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "service was given" to describe a situation where a service has been provided. For example, "The award for outstanding wine "service was given" to Daniel in New York."

What can I say instead of "service was given"?

You can use alternatives like "service was provided", "service was rendered", or "service was offered" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a service?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the context. Active voice (e.g., "They gave the service") emphasizes the giver, while passive voice ("service was given") emphasizes the service itself. Choose the voice that best suits your focus.

Which is correct, "service was given" or "service is given"?

"Service was given" describes a service that occurred in the past. "Service is given" describes a service that is currently provided or is a general practice. The correct choice depends on the time frame you are describing.