what was given

USAGE SUMMARY

'what was given' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that has already been bestowed, granted, or handed out to someone. For example, "I asked for a raise, but instead what was given was a bonus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

See how the negation doesn't connect with what was Given (Remember: All Givens are assumed to be true)?

WikiHow

She is "the girl who ate what was given her".

The Guardian - Books

My name is what was given to me at birth.

The Guardian

Sami said: "This is what was given to the mercenaries.

The Guardian

It's become huge, because they can't get back what was given to them".

The New York Times - Arts

I just played off him and took what was given to me.

The New York Times - Sports

They dream of owning homes, finding meaningful careers and paying forward what was given to them.

The Washington Post

"At this point, it is difficult to quantify what was given off," he said.

The New York Times - Science

(Neither the participants nor the researchers knew what was given to whom).

The New Yorker

But I took what was given and then rolled off into the darkness of my actual life.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In either case, explain what was giving you the trouble.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was given" to clearly and concisely refer back to something previously provided or offered, avoiding unnecessary repetition of the specific item or detail. For instance, instead of saying 'The grant money that was allocated', you can say 'what was given' if the money has already been mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "what was given" if the context is unclear or if it's not immediately apparent what you're referring to. Ensure the reader understands the antecedent to prevent confusion. Be explicit if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was given" functions as a noun clause, acting as the subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It encapsulates the idea of something previously provided, offered, or allocated. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was given" is a versatile noun phrase functioning as a reference to something previously provided. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, ranging from news reports and academic papers to general discussions. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in News & Media and Academic writing. When using "what was given", ensure clarity in your writing so that the reference is easily understood. Related phrases include "that which was bestowed" and "what was provided". The examples highlighted by Ludwig showcase the phrase's utility in avoiding repetition and maintaining concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what was provided

A general alternative that focuses on the act of supplying or making something available.

that which was bestowed

More formal and emphasizes the act of bestowing something as a gift or honor.

the offering that was made

Implies a more deliberate or ceremonial act of giving.

the contribution received

Highlights the act of receiving a contribution, often in a collaborative context.

the bounty that was granted

Suggests a generous or abundant provision, often from a higher authority.

the allotment received

Emphasizes a portion or share that has been assigned or distributed.

the portion assigned

Highlights the designated share or part given to someone.

the dispensation received

Implies an exception or permission that has been granted.

the resources allocated

Specifically refers to the assignment of resources for a particular purpose.

the inheritance acquired

Focuses on something received as a legacy or birthright.

FAQs

How can I use "what was given" in a sentence?

You can use "what was given" to refer to something previously provided or offered. For example, "He appreciated "what was given" to him, even though it wasn't much."

What phrases are similar to "what was given"?

Similar phrases include "that which was bestowed", "what was provided", or "the offering that was made", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "what was given" formal or informal?

"What was given" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

Can I use "what was given" in academic writing?

Yes, "what was given" is perfectly acceptable in academic writing, especially when referring to data, resources, or information provided in a study or experiment. It helps to avoid unnecessary repetition.