was given a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that someone received something, typically in a passive construction. Example: She was given a scholarship to study abroad. Alternative expressions include "was awarded a" and "received a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Each was given a Wii.

The New York Times

He was given a technical foul.

The New York Times - Sports

He was given a 19-year sentence.

The Economist

She was given a social life.

The New Yorker

She was given a summons and released.

The New York Times

I wish I was given a choice.

Independent

He was given a minor teaching post.

The Economist

He was given a rapturous welcome.

The New York Times - Sports

He was given a one-month suspension.

The New York Times

I was given a new reference number.

The New York Times

I was given a stress test.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the noun following the phrase is a count noun since the indefinite article "a" is used.

Common error

Writers often over-rely on "was given a" when the giver is actually a key character in the scene. If the giver's actions matter, use the active voice like "The professor gave her a chance" instead of the passive equivalent to create a more engaging narrative flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given a" serves as a passive voice construction where the recipient of the action is the subject of the sentence. In the data provided by Ludwig, this structure allows writers to focus on the person affected rather than the person or entity performing the act of giving.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "was given a" is a cornerstone of English passive voice reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency and correctness in diverse contexts, from legal sentencing to sports contract news. While it is excellent for shifting focus to the recipient, writers should remain mindful of when a more specific verb—like "<a href="/s/was+awarded+a" target="_blank" rel="alternative">was awarded a"—might add more precision. Overall, it remains one of the most reliable ways to describe acquisition or designation in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received a

Shifts to the active voice, focusing on the recipient's perspective of acquisition.

was awarded a

Used specifically for honors, prizes, or formal recognition.

was granted a

Suggests a formal permission or a request being fulfilled by an authority.

was provided with a

Emphasizes the act of supplying necessary materials or information.

was issued a

Often used for official documents, equipment, or formal notices.

was presented with a

Describes a more ceremonial or public act of giving.

was handed a

Implying a physical or immediate transfer of an object.

was assigned a

Indicates that something was designated to a person, often in a work context.

got a

A more informal, conversational alternative to the passive structure.

accepted a

Active voice that implies the recipient played a role in taking what was offered.

FAQs

How to use "was given a" in a sentence?

You use "was given a" to describe a recipient getting something in the passive voice. For example: "He was given a standing ovation after his performance."

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

Depending on the tone, you can use alternatives like "<a href="/s/received+a" target="_blank" rel="alternative">received a", "<a href="/s/was+awarded+a" target="_blank" rel="alternative">was awarded a", or the more informal "<a href="/s/got+a" target="_blank" rel="alternative">got a".

Is "was given a" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a perfectly correct passive construction. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in reputable news sources like The New York Times and the BBC to report on awards, sentences, or gifts.

What is the difference between "was given a" and "received a"?

The main difference is the voice. "was given a" is passive, focusing on the experience of receiving, while "<a href="/s/received+a" target="_blank" rel="alternative">received a" is active, though both emphasize the recipient.