we've been given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we've been given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been provided or assigned to a group of people, often in a context of receiving information, tasks, or responsibilities. Example: "In this project, we've been given the opportunity to collaborate with several industry leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We've been given no choice.

The Guardian - Sport

"We've been given this oasis".

The New York Times

"Now we've been given a second chance.

The New Yorker

That's the lesson we've been given tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

That this is day we've been given.

The New York Times

"We've been given a second chance".

The New York Times - Sports

Suddenly, we've been given a possible answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the job we've been given is to find out".

The New York Times - Magazine

We've been given notice to leave by this week.

The Guardian

We've been given a second chance at life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think we've been given a lot of opportunities.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we've been given" to express gratitude or acknowledge an opportunity. This adds a positive tone to your writing, showing appreciation for the chance or resources provided.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice with "we've been given" when active voice would be more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "We've been given the task by the manager", consider "The manager assigned us the task."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we've been given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a group ('we') has received something. It highlights the act of receiving rather than the act of giving. Ludwig confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we've been given" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group has received something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is broadly applicable across different registers and contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who 'we' refers to and what was received, and be mindful of choosing active voice for more direct communication. Be aware of alternatives like "we have received" or "we were granted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have received

Uses "received" instead of "given", emphasizing the act of obtaining something.

we've been provided with

Focuses on the act of someone providing something to us.

we were granted

Emphasizes the formal or official nature of being given something.

we were entrusted with

Highlights the responsibility that comes with being given something.

we've been presented with

Highlights the act of someone formally giving something to us.

we've obtained

Implies effort or action on our part to get something.

we've been afforded

Emphasizes the opportunity or advantage that comes with being given something.

we've acquired

Suggests gaining possession of something, often of value.

we've come into possession of

A more formal way of saying we now have something.

we're in receipt of

A formal expression indicating that we have received something.

FAQs

How can I use "we've been given" in a sentence?

"We've been given" is used to indicate that something has been provided or assigned to a group. For example, "We've been given a second chance to prove ourselves", or "We've been given clear instructions on what to do".

What can I say instead of "we've been given"?

You can use alternatives like "we have received", "we were granted", or "we've been provided with", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we've been giving" instead of "we've been given"?

No, "we've been giving" has a different meaning. "We've been giving" means that we have been in the process of providing something to someone else, while "we've been given" means that we have received something.

What's the difference between "we've been given" and "we were given"?

"We've been given" (present perfect) suggests that the giving has relevance to the present, while "we were given" (simple past) simply states that we received something in the past without necessarily implying a present connection.