we were given

USAGE SUMMARY

"we were given" is a perfectly correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone, especially someone in authority, gave something to someone else. For example: "We were given a task to complete by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were given freedom.

The New Yorker

We were given one day to leave.

The New Yorker

She said: "We were given no option.

Independent

'We were given gas masks.

The Guardian

We were given bottles of water.

The New Yorker

That was the commitment we were given".

The Guardian

We were given the number 5573317.

The New Yorker

"We were given what to speak about.

The Guardian - Sport

We were given menus with wry footnotes.

The New Yorker

We were given permission to proceed upstairs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Plus, we were giving Stellar six pounds".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were given" to clearly indicate the source or provider of what was received. For instance, "We were given clear instructions by the manager."

Common error

Avoid using "we were given" when an active voice construction is more direct and concise. Instead of "We were given the task", consider "They assigned us the task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were given" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (we) received something from an unspecified actor. As Ludwig AI says, it's used to indicate that someone gave something to someone else, examples show this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were given" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the receipt of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that something was provided to a group. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral tone. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "we received" or "we were granted" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of what was given when relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received

Replaces "given" with "received", focusing on the act of obtaining.

we were granted

Substitutes "given" with "granted", emphasizing permission or authorization.

we obtained

Uses "obtained" instead of "given", suggesting effort or process in acquiring.

we were provided with

Rephrases to include "provided with", highlighting the act of supplying.

we had been given

Changes the tense to past perfect, indicating a prior event of giving.

we were allocated

Replaces "given" with "allocated", emphasizing a formal distribution.

we were awarded

Substitutes "given" with "awarded", implying recognition or merit.

we were presented with

Similar to "provided with", but suggests a more formal or ceremonial presentation.

something was given to us

Changes the sentence structure to passive voice, altering the focus.

we inherited

Emphasizes that "we were given" something as inheritance.

FAQs

How can I use "we were given" in a sentence?

Use "we were given" to indicate that your group received something, such as instructions, permission, or resources. For example, "We were given permission to proceed with the project".

What's a more formal alternative to "we were given"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we were provided with" or "we were granted".

Is it always necessary to specify who gave something when using "we were given"?

While not always required, specifying the source can add clarity and context. For example, "We were given the award by the committee" is more informative than simply "We were given the award".

How does "we were given" differ from "we took" or "we found"?

"We were given" implies that something was intentionally provided to you. "We took" suggests you acquired it yourself, and "we found" indicates discovering something without prior intent. The choice depends on how you obtained the item or information.