was presented to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was presented to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an event where something, such as an award or information, was formally given or shown to a person. Example: "At the ceremony, the award was presented to him for his outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A BFI fellowship in 2013 was presented to him by Johnny Depp.

The Guardian - Film

"My impression was he understood the situation that was presented to him".

The New York Times

It was presented to him at the annual Meet the Writers Book Fair at the Elaine Benson Gallery in Bridgehampton.

The New York Times

There had been no collective bargaining; the upcoming announcement was presented to him as a settled matter.

The New Yorker

He added that he didn't search for a banned substance and that it was something that was presented to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Rattle is already a hugely deserving recipient of the Sibelius Medal, which was presented to him before the concert last night by the Finnish ambassador to Germany.

The Guardian - Music

Slavenas has on display the triangular box that was presented to him at the military ceremony, with a neatly folded American flag and his son's medals.

The New Yorker

Judge Edward Burke of Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix approved the agreement after it was presented to him yesterday afternoon.

The New York Times

Rather, it cited breach of contract, concluding that the engineer had married her after "she was presented to him as single and chaste".

The New York Times

Mr. Hern became an officer of the Ordre du Merit which was presented to him by President Francois Mitterrand in recognition of his long service to France.

The New York Times

One of them, the Award of Merit from the National Association for Retarded Children, was presented to him in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was presented to him", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being presented and the reason for the presentation. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing the passive voice. While "was presented to him" is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice (e.g., "Elton John presented it to him") for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was presented to him" functions as a passive construction, indicating that he is the recipient of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used when awards, gifts, or information are formally given.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was presented to him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. It effectively communicates the act of someone receiving something, often in a formal context. While common in news and encyclopedic sources, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice, opting for a more active construction when appropriate. The phrase is considered acceptable and versatile for describing receipt of awards, gifts, or information in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was given

Focuses on the act of giving, emphasizing the reception by the subject.

he received

Highlights the act of receiving something.

he was awarded

Specifically refers to receiving an award or honor.

it was bestowed upon him

Implies a formal or ceremonial giving of something.

he was granted

Suggests that permission or a right was formally given to him.

he was conferred with

Often used for titles or degrees.

it was handed to him

Emphasizes the physical act of giving.

he was offered

Focuses on the act of offering something, which he then accepted.

he obtained

Implies effort or action on his part to acquire something.

it was entrusted to him

Suggests that something valuable or important was given to him for safekeeping or use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was presented to him" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "someone gave it to him", "they awarded it to him", or "he received it" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was presented him with" instead of "was presented to him"?

No, the correct phrasing is "was presented to him". "Was presented him with" is grammatically incorrect.

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

While both phrases convey the act of receiving, "was presented to him" often implies a more formal or ceremonial setting, whereas "was given to him" is more general.

When is it best to use the passive voice construction "was presented to him"?

The passive voice is useful when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. For example, "The award was presented to him at the ceremony" emphasizes the award and the ceremony.