they were gave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were gave" is not correct in written English.
It should be "they were given" to convey the intended meaning. Example: "They were given the opportunity to present their ideas at the conference."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Atlético were handed a guard of honour by Eibar but that was the only concession they were gave.

The Guardian - Sport

His evening dresses, graceful and elegant, lovely as they were, gave a frustrating feeling that, instead of the furs drawing the template for the show, it was the other way around.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, having them around, regardless of how old or financially poorer they were, gave a feeling of security, of protection.

Huffington Post

While she reads regularly even now that her back is better, those days she was laid up, as painful as they were, gave her reading time that most of us don't think we have.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They were giving them cash".

The New York Times

"They were given sales training.

The New York Times

They were given targets.

The Guardian

After, they were given a bill.

The New Yorker

So they were given options over shares.

The Economist

They were giving their knowledge and experience.

The New York Times

They were given the former Avon Avenue School.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct past participle form "given" instead of "gave" when constructing a passive sentence with "they were". This ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the past simple form "gave" after "they were". The correct form is the past participle "given", which is used to form the passive voice. For example, use "they were given" not "they were gave".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were gave" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they were given". In a sentence, the phrase functions as part of a passive construction, indicating that the subject (they) received something.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were gave" is an incorrect grammatical construction. The proper phrasing is "they were given", which employs the past participle form of the verb "give". As Ludwig AI indicates, this incorrect phrase lacks usage examples in authoritative sources. To ensure clear and effective communication, avoid using "they were gave" and instead opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "they were given", "they received", or "they were provided with", depending on the desired nuance. Understanding the difference between the past simple and past participle forms is crucial for accurate writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were given

Replaces the incorrect verb form "gave" with the correct past participle "given", forming the passive voice.

they received

Uses the verb "received" to indicate that they obtained something.

they were provided with

Employs a more formal structure using "provided with" to express that something was supplied to them.

they were granted

Indicates that they were formally given something, such as permission or rights.

they were allotted

Implies that a specific amount or share was assigned to them.

they were handed

Suggests a more direct or informal act of giving.

they obtained

Focuses on the action of acquiring or getting something.

they secured

Highlights the effort or process involved in getting something.

they acquired

Implies a gradual or cumulative process of obtaining something.

they were awarded

Suggests that they received something as a prize or recognition.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "they were gave"?

The correct way to say it is "they were given". The word "given" is the past participle of the verb "give" and is used in the passive voice.

What does "they were given" mean?

The phrase "they were given" means that someone provided something to them. This can refer to physical objects, opportunities, or even information.

Can I use "they received" instead of "they were given"?

Yes, "they received" is a good alternative to "they were given". Both phrases mean that someone obtained something.

Is there a more formal way to say "they were given"?

Yes, a more formal alternative is "they were provided with". This phrase is often used in professional or academic contexts.