they were given

USAGE SUMMARY

'they were given' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was given to someone. For example, "The students were given a thorough explanation of the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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 given prescriptions for inhaled medicines.

The New Yorker

"They were given no recourse, no remedy.

The New York Times

It reckoned they were given advance notice.

The Economist

They were given full information.

The Guardian - Business

They were given unconditional bail.

The Guardian - Sport

They were given suspended sentences.

The Guardian - Sport

They were given the documents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were given" when you want to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the giver. For example, "They were given clear instructions" focuses on the people receiving instructions.

Common error

Avoid using the active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. Instead of saying "Someone gave them the opportunity", consider "They were given the opportunity" if the focus is on the recipients.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were given" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (they) received something from an unspecified agent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were given" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive voice construction. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the provided examples showcase its widespread use in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, being appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, it is more common in neutral registers. When writing, focus on highlighting the receiver of the action, and consider using active voice for a more direct style. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "they received" or "they were provided with". By considering the nuances of usage, you can use "they were given" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they received

Replaces "given" with "received", focusing on the act of obtaining something.

they were provided with

Uses a slightly more formal tone by including "provided with".

they obtained

Emphasizes the act of acquiring or securing something.

they were granted

Suggests a more formal or official authorization or bestowal.

they were awarded

Implies a recognition or prize being given.

they were presented with

Highlights the act of formally offering something.

they had been given

Changes the tense to past perfect, indicating the action happened before another point in the past.

something was bestowed upon them

Uses a more literary and formal tone to describe the act of giving.

they were entrusted with

Focuses on the act of assigning responsibility or something valuable.

they were allocated

Implies a formal distribution or assignment of resources.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were given" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "they were provided with", "they were granted", or "something was bestowed upon them". These options add a level of sophistication to your writing.

What's the difference between "they were given" and "they received"?

While similar, "they were given" emphasizes the act of giving, while "they received" emphasizes the act of obtaining. Consider the context to determine which is more appropriate.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they were given"?

It's grammatically correct, but sometimes using the active voice can make your writing more direct and concise. For instance, instead of "They were given a warning", you could say "Someone warned them".

What are some alternatives to "they were given" in informal contexts?

In informal situations, you could use phrases like "they got" or "they were handed". For example, instead of "They were given the keys", you could say "they got the keys".