was given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was provided or assigned to someone or something in the past. Example: "The award was given to the most outstanding student of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lithuania was given to Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was given to us.

The New Yorker

Wong was given to romantic fetishes.

The New Yorker

Jamison was given to sweeter talk.

The New Yorker

The coveted seat was given to Orszag.

The New Yorker

Supplementary oxygen was given to Berger.

The New Yorker

Little attention was given to security.

The New York Times

Mr. McAuliffe was given to his excess.

The New York Times

Because it was given to me.

The Guardian

No response was given to these questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was given to Chris Duhon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve sentence flow, consider replacing "was given to" with a more active construction where appropriate, such as "He gave the book to her".

Common error

Avoid using "was given to" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of passive voice can make writing seem vague or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was given to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone or something received something from an unspecified or less emphasized actor. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was given to" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to indicate that something was provided or assigned to someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. It is generally neutral in register and functions to emphasize the recipient of an action. While there are opportunities to use active voice for improved clarity, "was given to" remains a valuable tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was awarded to

This alternative focuses on formally recognizing achievement, often in competitive contexts.

was granted to

This suggests a more formal or official permission or right being conferred.

was presented to

This implies a ceremonial or formal handover of something.

was allocated to

This refers to the distribution of resources or items among different recipients.

was assigned to

This is often used when referring to tasks or responsibilities being delegated.

was bequeathed to

This relates to the transfer of property or possessions through a will.

was handed over to

This suggests a physical transfer of something from one person to another.

was transferred to

This indicates a shift of ownership, responsibility, or location.

was entrusted to

This conveys the idea of something valuable or important being given into someone's care.

was conferred upon

This suggests a formal bestowal of a title, honor, or right.

FAQs

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

"Was given to" indicates that someone or something received something. For example, "The award "was given to" the most deserving candidate." It's essential to specify both the giver and receiver if relevant for clarity.

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

You can use alternatives like "was awarded to", "was presented to", or "was granted to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was given to" or "gave to"?

Both are correct, but they use different voice constructions. "Was given to" is passive (e.g., "The prize was given to her"), while "gave to" is active (e.g., "He gave the prize to her"). The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "was given to" and "was provided to"?

"Was given to" implies a transfer of possession or right, while "was provided to" suggests the act of supplying or making something available. For instance, "assistance was provided to the victims" indicates support was offered, not necessarily a transfer of ownership.