was given notice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given notice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has been informed or notified about something, often in formal or legal situations. Example: "The tenant was given notice to vacate the premises by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The rule holds true even if the ISP was given notice of the allegedly defamatory messages.

The New York Times

I was given notice to leave my flat, and suddenly the bailiffs turned up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a phone interview, Marchiano said: "When I was given notice, I was given no reason.

The New York Times - Sports

Whithouse was given notice of BH's demise before writing series five, allowing him to end the story properly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Baldwin was given notice on Feb. 20 -- he has said because of his charges of fraud.

The New York Times

Although the fraudulent transfer of assets took place before the suit was filed, it occurred after Chambers was given notice, pursuant to court rule, of the pending suit.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He said he was "giving notice" to businesses and local authorities to get serious about saving energy and saving people money.

BBC

"They were given notice, and they were evacuated".

The New York Times

His family were given notice of the trial on Saturday.

The Guardian

We've been given notice to leave by this week.

The Guardian

We have just been given notice of this and the bells are still ringing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was given notice", ensure the context is appropriate for a formal or official notification. It's often used in legal, employment, or housing situations.

Common error

Avoid using "was given notice" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "was told" or "found out" are more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given notice" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of a formal notification. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from employment termination to eviction notices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was given notice" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that someone has received a formal notification, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary contexts, according to Ludwig's examples, are News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. It typically conveys a formal or official message, often in legal, employment, or housing scenarios. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, it should be avoided in casual conversations. Alternatives include "received notification" or "was informed", offering variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received notification

Focuses on the act of receiving the notification rather than the action of giving it.

had been notified

Rephrases the passive construction with 'had been', indicating a past notification.

was served notice

Emphasizes the formal delivery of a notice, often in a legal context.

was apprised

A more formal synonym for "was informed", often used in professional or official settings.

was informed

A more general way of saying someone received information, not necessarily a formal notice.

was alerted

Implies a warning or call to attention, which may or may not be formal.

received a warning

Highlights the warning aspect of the notice, implying potential consequences.

was advised

Suggests guidance or counsel was given, rather than a formal notice of something.

was warned

Specifically indicates that a warning was issued, highlighting potential negative consequences.

was told

A simpler, more informal way of saying someone received information.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was given notice" is used to indicate that someone received an official or formal notification. For example, "The tenant "was given notice" to vacate the property" or "The employee "was given notice" of termination".

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

You can use alternatives like "received notification", "was informed", or "was alerted" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "was given notice" and "was informed"?

"Was given notice" implies a formal or official notification, often with legal or contractual implications. "Was informed" is a more general term that simply means someone received information, without necessarily implying a formal process.

Which is correct, "was given notice" or "received notice"?

Both "was given notice" and "received notice" are grammatically correct. However, "was given notice" emphasizes the action of giving the notice, while "received notice" focuses on the recipient.