was given advice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given advice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone received guidance or recommendations from another person. Example: "After the meeting, she was given advice on how to improve her presentation skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

S/he was given advice which was "generic" and dismissive of different audiences of academic outputs.

The Guardian

One was struck off, one received a warning, and one was given advice.

The Guardian

The control group was given advice only on better dietary habits for children.

The New York Times

"I was given advice I should allow them to go through," he said.

The Guardian

McNulty has said the council originally understood Mehajer wanted to have a helicopter land on a street but was given advice that would not be approved.

The Guardian

I was given advice about how to modify or limit my own life – rather than an affirmation that this was wrong and should change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

If I was giving advice to myself now, I'd have said 'just keep doing what you're doing'.

Independent

The narrator recalls the years when he was giving advice in a column for a Yiddish newspaper in New York.

The New Yorker

I thought I would be able to do well because I was giving advice to CEOs.

BBC

Another 13 officers have been "given advice about professional standards" following the probe.

Independent

Specialist lecturers came in and we were given advice on job applications and interviews.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was given advice", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the advice and what the advice pertained to for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice (like "was given advice") can make writing sound vague or indirect. Consider using the active voice when possible to make the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given advice" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone received guidance or recommendations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English when describing the receipt of guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Books

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was given advice" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to express that someone received guidance or recommendations. Ludwig AI validates its usability in a variety of contexts. While versatile, mindful use of the active voice can sometimes improve clarity and engagement. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business publications. Consider the context to ensure you choose the most appropriate alternative. For instance, "received guidance" might emphasize the act of receiving help, while "was offered counsel" suggests a more formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was advised

A more concise and direct alternative.

received guidance

Emphasizes the act of receiving direction or help.

was offered counsel

Implies a more formal or professional setting where advice is provided.

was provided recommendations

Focuses on the specific suggestions or endorsements given.

was instructed

Suggests a more directive form of advice or orders.

was coached

Highlights a more supportive and developmental approach to guidance.

was mentored

Emphasizes a longer-term and more personal guidance relationship.

was enlightened

Suggests that the advice provided was enlightening and brought understanding.

was apprised

Implies being formally informed or notified, which may include advice.

was shown the way

Offers a more idiomatic and figurative alternative, emphasizing guidance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was given advice" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "received advice", "someone advised [person]", or "[person] sought advice from..." to make the sentence more direct.

What's a more formal synonym for "was given advice"?

Alternatives such as "was offered counsel" or "was provided recommendations" can be used in more formal contexts.

Is it always necessary to specify who gave the advice when using "was given advice"?

While not always necessary, specifying the source of the advice can add credibility and context, especially in formal writing.

What are some common situations where someone "was given advice"?

People commonly "are given advice" in professional settings, healthcare consultations, academic advising sessions, and legal consultations.