I was born vs I was given birth

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I was born' is the more common and natural way to express the idea of coming into existence. 'I was given birth' is grammatically correct but less commonly used and may sound more formal or awkward.

Last updated: April 12, 2024 • 295 views

I was born

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express the idea of coming into existence.

This phrase is the standard way to talk about the event of being born. It is simple, clear, and widely understood.

Some examples from our editors:

I was born in a small town.
She was born on a sunny day.
When were you born?
Where were you born?
He was born in the same year as me.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I ...
Feb 6, 2013 ... "I was born" - since this is a passive form. The mother bears the child, and when she brings him/her (it, in British English, by the way) forth, the ...
One good way to begin thinking about the passive voice is with this question: " Where were you born?" The answer: I was born in ______ (country). This common ...
I Was Born, But... (Japanese: 大人の見る絵本生れてはみたけれど Otona no miru ehon - Umarete wa mita keredo "An Adult's Picture Book View — I Was Born, But ...

Some alternatives from our editors:

I came into the world
I entered this world
I arrived on this planet
I was brought into existence
I began my life

I was given birth

This phrase is grammatically correct but less commonly used. It may sound more formal or awkward compared to 'I was born.'

'I was given birth' can be used in a more formal or literary context, but it is not as common in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

Hello everyone, While talking to someone I made up this phrase "I was given birth by mom..." to mean my mom gave birth to me.
Proverbs 8:25 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓]. Proverbs 8:25, NIV: before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,
Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills was I brought forth before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth ...
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;25 before the mountains were settled in place, ...
before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, New Living Translation Before the mountains were formed, before the hills, ...
When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, ...
24: When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;; 25: before the mountains were settled in place, ...
Nov 16, 2018 ... I was given birth to by a woman. So it's clear where I stand. That is why I am so frustrated with the specific women who keep being put ...
24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water;. 25 before the mountains were settled in place, ...

Alternatives:

I was born
I came into the world
I entered this world
I arrived on this planet
I was brought into existence

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