was given out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was distributed or handed over to someone in the past. Example: "The tickets for the concert were given out at the entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was given out, incorrectly, by Hair.

The Guardian - Sport

He was given out, wrongly as it later transpired.

Independent

Despite the contradiction Pietersen was given out anyway.

Independent

It was given out at Coppi's funeral, which Facco attended.

The New York Times - Sports

MR. LENO: Well, when will the money -- this money was given out to the banks.

The New York Times

It was — and let me just tell you, it was given out like so much.

The Washington Post

Before Graeme Smith's magnificent second innings had taken real shape he was given out lbw.

Independent

But on 98, Taylor was given out lbw to Josh Hazlewood.

Independent

The $650 million was given out in awards of three levels.

The New York Times

Thorpe was given out and Cronje was heavily fined for his gesture to the umpires.

Independent

The Pope's statement to the newsmen was given out by the Vatican press office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was given out", ensure the context clearly indicates what was distributed and to whom. For instance, "The information leaflets were given out to all attendees."

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where it's unclear who received what "was given out". Always specify the recipient to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given out" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that an action of giving or distributing was performed on a subject. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, it's often used to describe the distribution of items or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was given out" is a versatile passive construction used to describe the distribution of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While "was given out" is generally neutral in register, clarity is crucial: always specify both what was distributed and to whom. Consider alternatives like "was distributed" or "was handed out" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was distributed

Focuses on the act of spreading or dispensing something.

was handed out

Emphasizes the physical act of giving something to someone.

was awarded

Implies a formal recognition or prize.

was issued

Suggests an official release or announcement.

was provided

Highlights the act of supplying or making something available.

was dispensed

Implies a controlled or measured distribution.

was presented

Focuses on a formal introduction or offering.

was conferred

Suggests the bestowal of an honor or right.

was allocated

Implies a specific portion or share being assigned.

was released

Indicates something being made available to the public.

FAQs

What does "was given out" mean?

The phrase "was given out" means something was distributed or handed over to someone. For example, "The awards were given out at the ceremony."

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

Use "was given out" to describe the distribution of items or information. For instance, "The questionnaires "were handed out" to all participants."

What are some alternatives to "was given out"?

Alternatives include "was distributed", "was handed out", or "was issued", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was given out"?

Yes, it is correct to say "was given out". It is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something was distributed. Ludwig AI confirms this.