was given

USAGE SUMMARY

"was given" is a perfectly acceptable and widely used form of the verb "give" in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea that someone was the recipient of a thing or an action. For example: "She was given a gift for her birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No penalty was given.

The New York Times - Sports

No timetable was given.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was given 12".

The New York Times - Health

No explanation was given.

The New York Times

I was given tasks".

The New Yorker

No cause was given.

The New York Times

A penalty was given.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing was given away.

Independent

She was given headphones.

The New York Times - Magazine

No location was given.

The New York Times

He was given two.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was given", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the giver and the receiver of the action or object. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice, including "was given", as it can make writing sound less direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing sentences to use the active voice where appropriate to create stronger, more impactful statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given" functions as a passive construction of the verb "give". It indicates that the subject of the sentence received something, rather than actively taking it. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to show someone received something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was given" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate that someone received something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is an accepted form in written English. While its usage is widespread across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the giver and the receiver, and be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Consider active voice alternatives for more direct and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was provided

Focuses on the act of supplying or furnishing something.

received

A more concise way of saying something was obtained.

was granted

Emphasizes permission or authorization to receive something.

was awarded

Highlights the act of formally bestowing something, often as a prize or honor.

was presented with

Suggests a formal or ceremonious offering of something.

was allocated

Indicates that something was assigned or distributed.

was handed

Implies a direct, often informal, transfer of something.

was furnished with

Similar to 'was provided', but may suggest a more complete or comprehensive supply.

was entrusted with

Implies that something was given with a sense of responsibility or trust.

was bequeathed

Indicates something was left as an inheritance.

FAQs

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

Use "was given" to indicate that someone received something. For example, "She "was given" a promotion for her hard work".

What are some alternatives to "was given"?

You can use alternatives like "was provided", "was granted", or "received" depending on the context.

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

While "was given" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can make your writing more direct. Instead of "The award "was given" to her", consider "They gave her the award".

What's the difference between "was given" and "received"?

"Was given" emphasizes the act of giving, while "received" focuses on the act of obtaining. "She "was given" a scholarship" highlights the giver's action, whereas "She received a scholarship" highlights her achievement.