they are given

USAGE SUMMARY

'they are given' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is being given to someone. For example, "The students are given an opportunity to learn new skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In exchange, they are given the monopoly".

The New York Times

They are given to you.

The New York Times - Tech

They are given lunches free every day.

The New Yorker

They are given evaluations, not grades.

The New York Times

He says prisoners should serve the sentences they are given.

The Guardian

(And that's pretty much who they are, given the profession).

The New York Times

This is the last chance before they are given up.

The Guardian - Books

Dancers usually know when they are given something special.

The New York Times - Arts

Architects can only work with what they are given.

The New Yorker

However when they are given money they are very greedy.

The Guardian

"When we have inquiries like Leveson, they are given everything.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are given", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and who is doing the giving. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are given" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "they are given instructions", consider "someone gives them instructions" if the giver is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group (represented by "they") is the recipient of an action or object. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment, highlighting its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are given" is a grammatically sound and very common passive construction used to indicate that a group is receiving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency is notable in News & Media and Science sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who "they" refers to and who is doing the giving. While grammatically correct, consider active voice alternatives if they provide greater clarity in the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they receive

Focuses on the act of receiving rather than the act of giving from another party.

they are provided with

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something.

they obtain

Highlights the attainment or acquisition of something.

they are granted

Suggests a formal or official bestowal of something.

they are awarded

Implies a recognition or prize being conferred.

they are allocated

Indicates a specific portion is assigned to them.

they are supplied with

Highlights the act of furnishing them with necessary resources.

they are furnished with

Focuses on equipping or providing them with something.

they are entitled to

Indicates a right or eligibility to receive something.

they inherit

Suggests receiving something as a legacy or by succession.

FAQs

How can I use "they are given" in a sentence?

Use "they are given" to indicate that a group receives something. For example, "The students are given feedback on their essays."

What are some alternatives to "they are given"?

You can use alternatives like "they receive", "they are provided with", or "they obtain" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "they are given"?

While "they are given" is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction can sometimes improve clarity. Consider "someone gives them" if the actor is important.

What's the difference between "they are given" and "they are offering"?

"They are given" indicates that someone is receiving something, while "they are offering" means that someone is presenting something to be received. The direction of action is opposite.