we are not given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are not given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has not been provided or granted to us, often in a context of information or resources. Example: "In this situation, we are not given the necessary tools to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

We are not given to theatrical rantings about falling skies.

The Guardian

But if we are not given sufficient resources, we are put in a terrible position".

The New York Times

We are not given safety and platforms to speak – we create them.

The Guardian

Fiona Maye makes her judgment, which we are not given in its entirety, but at several pages' length.

The Guardian - Books

As for the girl problem, we are not given much insight beyond the fact that it "was driving me bananas".

The New York Times - Books

"We are not given information we need to thoroughly investigate," said Tom Mockbee, police chief in Waldo, Ark., who has investigated crossing accidents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We are not giving a free pass.

The New York Times

"We are not giving hope to Tottenham.

The Guardian

"We are not giving up on this!

The New York Times

"We are here; we are not giving up," Wigniolle said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are not giving up on this," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to express that someone or something actively denies something to you, choose "we are denied" over "we are not given".

Common error

Avoid using "we are not given" when you mean "we have not given". The former implies something is withheld from you, while the latter means you have failed to provide something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are not given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ("we") is the recipient of an action (or lack thereof). Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used to express that something has not been provided or granted. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it can be used to express that something has not been provided or granted to us, often in a context of information or resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are not given" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to express that something is not provided, granted, or allowed to the speaker or writer. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure you are conveying the intended meaning of being the recipient of a lack of provision, and avoid confusing it with the active voice construction "we are not giving". Consider alternative phrases like "we do not receive" or "we lack" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we do not receive

Focuses on the act of not getting something, often implying a regular or expected delivery.

we are not provided with

Emphasizes the act of providing and its absence, often related to resources or support.

we lack

Highlights a deficiency or absence of something necessary.

we are denied

Indicates a refusal to grant or allow something.

we are refused

Similar to "we are denied", but can also imply a direct rejection of a request.

we are not afforded

Suggests a lack of opportunity or privilege.

we don't have access to

Focuses on the inability to reach or use something.

we are without

Emphasizes the state of being deprived of something.

it is not granted to us

Uses a more formal tone to convey that something is not bestowed upon us.

we are deprived of

Highlights the act of taking something away or preventing access.

FAQs

What does "we are not given" mean?

The phrase "we are not given" means that something is not provided or granted to us. It implies a lack of receipt or opportunity.

What can I say instead of "we are not given"?

You can use alternatives like "we do not receive", "we are not provided with", or "we lack" depending on the context.

Is "we are not giving" the same as "we are not given"?

No, "we are not giving" means that we are not providing something to others, while "we are not given" means that something is not being provided to us. They have opposite meanings.

How to use "we are not given" in a sentence?

You can use "we are not given" in a sentence to express a lack of information, resources, or opportunities, for example: "In this situation, "we are not given" the necessary tools to succeed."