The phrase "were given" consists of two common English words. "Were" is pronounced with the phonetic transcription /wɜr/ and "given" is pronounced with the phonetic transcription /ˈɡɪvən/. The "w" sound in "were" is a voiced labio-velar approximant, while the "g" sound in "given" is a voiced velar stop. The "i" in "given" is pronounced with the phonetic transcription /ɪ/, which is a short vowel sound. Together, "were given" is pronounced as /wɜr ˈɡɪvən/.
"Were given" is the past tense of the verb phrase "to give," which means to transfer or hand over (something) to someone else. It is used to describe actions or circumstances where something was bestowed, provided, or granted to another individual or group in the past.
The term "were" refers to the past tense of the auxiliary verb "to be," while "given" is the past participle of the verb "to give." The phrase "were given" indicates a change of possession or the act of bestowing something upon someone or something.
For instance, if a group of students received their examination results, it could be said that the grades were given to them. In this context, "were given" signifies the action of transferring or providing the grades to the students.
"Were given" can also express the idea of a gift or presentation. For example, if someone were presented with a prestigious award, they could say they were given the highest honor. In this case, "were given" emphasizes the act of receiving or being granted the honor.
Overall, "were given" is a past-tense verb phrase used to describe an action where something was transferred, provided, or bestowed upon someone or something in the past. It conveys the change of ownership or the act of receiving or granting something to another entity.
The word "were" in "were given" is the past tense of the verb "to be". It is derived from the Old English word "wǣron" or "wǣronn" which meant "were, existed". The word "given" is the past participle form of the verb "to give". It is derived from the Old English word "giefan" or "gifan" which meant "to give, bestow". So, the etymology of "were given" can be traced back to Old English origins.