was given for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or reason for which something was provided or assigned. Example: "The award was given for outstanding service to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No reason was given for the denial.

The New York Times - Sports

No reason was given for the rift.

The New York Times

No figure was given for pertussis.

The New York Times

No reason was given for the withdrawal.

The New York Times

No date was given for the wedding.

The New York Times

No explanation was given for his exclusion.

The Economist

No reason was given for the meeting.

The New York Times

No reason was given for the cancellation.

The New York Times - Sports

One was given for M. & Mme.

The New Yorker

No explanation was given for the tragedy.

The New York Times

No reason was given for the sale.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was given for", ensure the reason or purpose is clear and directly related to the subject. For example, "The scholarship was given for academic excellence."

Common error

Avoid using "was given for" without a clear and specific reason. Instead of saying "The prize was given for something", provide a precise explanation like "The prize was given for outstanding community service."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given for" functions as a passive construction indicating the reason or purpose for which something was provided or assigned. It highlights the recipient and the justification for the action. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was given for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. It functions as a passive construction, emphasizing the recipient and the justification. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. While versatile, it is essential to ensure the reason is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was awarded to" or "was presented for" may offer more precise nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was provided to

Focuses on the act of supplying or making available, shifting emphasis from the reason to the provision itself.

was awarded to

Implies recognition or merit, suggesting a competitive or selective process.

was granted to

Indicates permission or authorization, suggesting a formal process of approval.

was designated for

Emphasizes the intended use or purpose, suggesting a specific allocation.

was allocated to

Focuses on the distribution or assignment of resources, highlighting the act of apportionment.

was intended for

Highlights the planned or designed purpose, emphasizing the original intention.

was presented to

Suggests a formal offering or bestowal, often in a ceremonial context.

was assigned to

Indicates a specific task or role, emphasizing the act of delegation.

was used for

Emphasizes the action or function performed, shifting focus to the practical application.

served as

Indicates the role or function fulfilled, highlighting the contribution or purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "was given for" to indicate the reason or purpose something was provided. For example, "The award "was given for" outstanding achievement."

What are some alternatives to "was given for"?

Alternatives include "was awarded to", "was presented for", or "was provided to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was given for" or should I use another phrase?

"Was given for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to explain the reason or purpose behind something. Its appropriateness depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "was given for" and "was intended for"?

"Was given for" implies the action of giving or providing something, while "was intended for" focuses on the planned purpose or use. For example, "The donation was given for disaster relief" versus "The funds were intended for building a new school."