was he given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was he given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about whether someone received something or was granted a particular opportunity or item. Example: "I wonder if he was given the chance to present his ideas at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Was he given this honor just for political considerations?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Was he given short shrift by going through Expedia?

The New York Times

Neither was he given a map showing accident-prone signals.

The Guardian

Nor was he given a photo of a fish, or its measurements.

The New York Times

Was he given painkillers for the injuries from the brutal defense against him?

The New York Times - Sports

Nor was he given a life peerage, as some loyalists were.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

What's he giving the hostage takers?

Los Angeles Times

For all he was given, he gave back.

HuffPost

"He's never been given the opportunity.

BBC

"He's given us offense, he's given us defense.

Los Angeles Times

He was given two.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was he given", ensure the context clearly indicates what was given, to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the object or opportunity provided.

Common error

Avoid using "was he given" without specifying what was provided. For example, instead of saying "Was he given?", specify "Was he given a promotion?" or "Was he given the necessary tools?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was he given" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically a question in the passive voice. It's used to inquire whether a particular individual received something, or if something was conferred upon him. Ludwig examples showcase diverse applications, from formal honors to medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was he given" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase, effectively employed to ask if someone received something, according to Ludwig. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability across diverse contexts, including news reporting, academic discussions, and scientific inquiries. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, the phrase's versatility is evident in its use to inquire about both tangible items and intangible opportunities conferred upon an individual. It's important to specify the object or opportunity being inquired about to avoid ambiguity, making it clear what "he" was given in the context of the question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was he granted

Highlights permission or authorization.

was he allowed

Highlights permission or authorization in a more concise way.

did he receive

Focuses on the act of receiving something.

was he presented with

Focuses on the act of presenting something to someone.

did they provide him with

Shifts focus to the provider of the item or opportunity.

was he awarded

Implies a formal recognition or prize.

did he obtain

Emphasizes the act of acquiring or getting something.

did he have access to

Emphasizes the ability to use or benefit from something.

did he get

A more informal way of asking if he received something.

did he earn

Suggests something was gained through effort.

FAQs

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

Use "was he given" to inquire if someone received something or an opportunity, like "Was he given a fair chance?" or "Was he given the information he needed"?

What's a more formal alternative to "was he given"?

A more formal alternative could be "was he granted" or "did he receive", depending on the specific context.

Is "was he given" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was he given" is grammatically correct. It's a passive voice construction used to ask if someone received something.

How does "was he given" differ from "did he give"?

"Was he given" focuses on whether someone received something, while "did he give" focuses on whether someone provided something to others. They have opposite meanings.