we be given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we be given" is not correct in standard written English.
It is an incorrect form and does not follow the grammatical rules of English. Example: "If we be given the opportunity, we will prove ourselves."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Must we be given the burden of lyrical, mind-improving literature when all we want is sugar and cable TV?

The New York Times

Here, I wondered, would we be given a very different take on the sexual dynamic of the spy film?

The Guardian - Books

"We ask that we be given the privacy our family needs to grieve at this difficult time," they added.

Independent

If our 13 years were to be falsely defined as mediocre, why should we be given another chance after only five years?

The Guardian - Opinion

Adults should start asking, with all the Amy's mothers dumped on us by American culture, when will we be given portrayals of women who star in their own subjective worlds, and whose adult children are supporting actors grown up enough to interact with them as adults?

The New York Times - Arts

Although I do not know whether recent media accounts that your Office is preparing a "report" to Congress pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 595(c) are accurate, I am writing to request that, if you are indeed contemplating such a "report," we be given a brief opportunity to review it before it is transmitted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Should we be giving babies iPads?

Huffington Post

We were given freedom.

The New Yorker

"We were given 'Extras'Extras

The Washington Post

She said: "We were given no option.

Independent

And we are given fragments of them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical correctness, always use "we are given" or "we will be given" instead of "we be given". This ensures clarity and adherence to standard English.

Common error

Be cautious of using archaic verb conjugations like "be" in place of "are" or "will be". While such forms might appear in older texts, they are generally incorrect in modern English.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we be given" functions as a verb phrase intended to express the passive voice, indicating that "we" are the recipients of an action. However, it uses a non-standard grammatical construction. According to Ludwig AI, it is an incorrect form and does not follow the grammatical rules of English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "we be given" appears in various contexts, including news and media, it is grammatically incorrect in standard modern English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's an incorrect form. The correct alternatives are "we are given" (present tense) or "we will be given" (future tense). Although the phrase is relatively common, especially in certain dialects, it's best to avoid it in formal writing. Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. Always aim for accuracy and precision in your language to effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are given

Corrects the verb conjugation to present tense, indicating a current or habitual action of receiving.

we will be given

Shifts the tense to future, suggesting that the act of giving will occur later.

we should be given

Introduces a sense of obligation or recommendation for something to be provided.

we might be given

Expresses a possibility or uncertainty about whether something will be provided.

we could be given

Suggests a potential or conditional scenario where something may be provided.

we may be given

Indicates permission or possibility of receiving something.

we are granted

Replaces "given" with a synonym emphasizing permission or formal approval.

we are allotted

Replaces "given" with a synonym that suggests that something is assigned or distributed.

we are provided with

Emphasizes the act of being supplied or furnished with something.

we receive

A simpler and more direct way to express the act of getting something.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "we be given"?

The correct alternatives are "we are given" (present tense) or "we will be given" (future tense). The phrase "we be given" is not grammatically correct in modern English.

When is it appropriate to use "we be given"?

The phrase "we be given" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard modern English. It might appear in some dialects or older texts, but it is not recommended for formal or academic writing.

What does "we are given" mean?

The phrase "we are given" means that something is provided to us, or we receive something. For example, "we are given opportunities to succeed."

What are some alternatives to "we are given"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we receive", "we are provided with", or "we are granted".