was not given

USAGE SUMMARY

"was not given" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was not provided, accepted, or bestowed. Example: She was offered the job, but was not given any details about her salary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was not given.

Independent

The goal was not given.

Independent

A motive was not given.

The New York Times

He was not given a Miranda warning.

The New York Times

Fraenkel was not given to introspection.

The New Yorker

The reporter's name was not given.

The New York Times

The place of death was not given.

The New York Times - Sports

The reason was not given.

The New Yorker

The specific reason was not given.

The New York Times - Sports

A release date was not given.

The New York Times

I was not given a reason.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal context, consider the nuance of alternatives like "was denied" or "was withheld" to more precisely convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "was not given", as they can sometimes obscure the actor in a sentence. Active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The information was not given to me", try "They did not give me the information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not given" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something did not receive something. This construction is commonly used to describe a lack of provision, opportunity, or information. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not given" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate that someone or something did not receive something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's versatile enough for use in various contexts, from news reporting and scientific writing to everyday conversation, making it a valuable tool for expressing a lack of provision or opportunity. While direct and clear, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "was denied" or "was withheld" to fine-tune the message. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively employ "was not given" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was denied

Emphasizes refusal or withholding of something requested or expected.

was not provided

Focuses on the lack of supply or furnishing of something needed or required.

was withheld

Highlights the act of holding back or preventing someone from receiving something.

did not receive

Simple statement of not getting something.

was refused

Indicates a direct rejection of a request or offer.

was not granted

Focuses on the lack of formal permission or authorization.

was not offered

Highlights the absence of a proposal or opportunity.

was not presented

Emphasizes the lack of showing or displaying something.

was deprived of

Highlights the taking away of something essential.

was bereft of

Similar to 'deprived of', but often used in a more formal or literary context.

FAQs

How can I use "was not given" in a sentence?

"Was not given" is used to indicate that something was not provided or offered. For example, "He "was not given the opportunity" to speak", or "She "was not given a reason" for the decision".

What are some alternatives to "was not given"?

Alternatives include "was denied", "was withheld", "did not receive", or "was refused". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something that "was not given"?

While "was not given" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct. For instance, instead of "I "was not given the details"", you could say "They did not give me the details".

What's the difference between "was not given" and "was not provided"?

Both phrases indicate a lack of something, but "was not given" implies a deliberate act of withholding or not offering, while "was not provided" suggests a lack of supply or availability. They are often interchangeable, but the subtle difference in nuance can influence your choice.