we were only given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were only given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a limitation or restriction regarding what was provided or allowed. Example: "In the meeting, we were only given a brief overview of the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"The hearing is Thursday and we were only given a new interpreter last week".

The New York Times

We were only given automatics after our first battles – that is, after people didn't run away or change their minds.

The Guardian

I was there for days but when it was time to leave we were only given 30 minutes warning.

Independent

We were only given three and a half months to construct everything, and the rest of the concert hall was really already done by then.

The New York Times - Arts

With Newark, we were only given this one site, but usually there may be four or five possible sites to consider.

The New York Times

Although we were only given a staged reading, Will O'Mahony's Tonsils + Tweezers is already an exciting piece of new writing exploring the long-term repercussions of personal tragedies.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We were only giving it back to him.

The Washington Post

We thought that we were only giving you a tangible exposure to a couple of almost-two-hundred-year-old printing presses.

University of California, Berkeley

We are only given what we can bear.

The New York Times

While we have the full implementation details of the module, we are only given a partial external specification for the interface.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Since we're only given the observed sequence, this underlying state path is hidden these are the residue labels that we'd like to infer.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were only given" to clearly express limitations or constraints in what was provided, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were only given" when you intend to convey gratitude or satisfaction. This phrase typically implies a deficit or restriction, not a positive experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were only given" functions as a declarative statement to express that the resources or information provided were limited. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used to indicate a constraint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were only given" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a limitation or restriction in what was provided. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and useful across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. To convey similar meanings, you could use alternatives like "we received just" or "we were limited to". However, avoid using the phrase when you want to express gratitude or satisfaction, as it typically implies a deficit. Ensure clarity and context to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we received just

Emphasizes the limited amount received.

we were merely given

Stresses the insignificance or inadequacy of what was provided.

we were limited to

Highlights the restriction placed upon what was provided.

we were restricted to

Similar to "limited to" but emphasizes the act of restricting.

we were exclusively given

Indicates that nothing else was provided besides what was given.

we were solely provided with

Similar to "exclusively given" but slightly more formal.

we were granted only

Indicates permission was given for a limited amount.

all we got was

An informal way of expressing disappointment in the limited provision.

we only had

Focuses on the limited possession or availability.

we were furnished only with

Highlights the bare minimum provided.

FAQs

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

Use "we were only given" to express that the amount or type of something provided was limited or insufficient. For example, "We were only given a brief overview of the project timeline".

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

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "we were merely provided with" or "we were solely furnished with". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while still conveying the limitation.

What can I say instead of "we were only given" to show dissatisfaction?

To express dissatisfaction, consider using phrases like "all we got was" or "we received just". These alternatives add a tone of disappointment about the limited provision.

How does "we were only given" differ from "we were provided with"?

"We were provided with" is a neutral statement indicating that something was supplied. "We were only given" implies a limitation or restriction, suggesting that what was provided was insufficient or less than expected.