I took for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I took for" is not correct and usable in written English as it is incomplete and lacks context.
It can be used in a complete phrase where it typically precedes an object or a complement, such as "I took for granted" or "I took for a fool." Example: "I took for granted all the support you gave me during my difficult times."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was something I took for granted.

The New York Times

I took for granted that he would always be there.

The New York Times - Sports

What I took for cacti are in fact Joshua trees!

The Guardian - Travel

"One thing I took for granted was life," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I took for 30 years, buses," she said.

The New York Times

Ambition is something I took for granted as a child.

The Guardian

Those public schools had to fight tooth and nail for things I took for granted".

The New York Times

Pyongyang made me appreciate what I took for granted in life and re-evaluate my priorities.

The Guardian

It seems what I took for marketing hyperbole did have some real scientific basis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The following morning, Dr Ohiaeri sent me an antimalarial medication, which I took for three days.

The Guardian

"Then things I took for granted suddenly went away," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I took for", ensure it is followed by a complement, such as "I took it for granted" or "I took him for a fool", to create a grammatically correct sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "I took for" without completing the thought. This phrase requires an object or complement to convey a clear meaning. For instance, instead of saying "I took for", specify what you took something for, such as "I took it for granted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I took for" functions as an incomplete expression requiring a complement to form a complete thought. The examples Ludwig provides shows a variety of completions for the expression. Without the complement, the phrase is grammatically incorrect, as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I took for" is grammatically incomplete and requires additional words to form a meaningful expression. As Ludwig AI points out, without a complement, it lacks context and is considered incorrect. Although very common in usage, particularly in news and media, it is crucial to ensure that the phrase is completed with an appropriate object or complement to convey the intended meaning. Common completions include "I took it for granted" or "I took him for a friend". When in doubt, consider alternatives like "I assumed" or "I considered" for clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I assumed

This alternative replaces the entire phrase with a simple assumption, focusing on the act of presuming something to be true.

I considered

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of regarding or thinking about something in a particular way.

I regarded as

This alternative emphasizes the act of viewing or thinking of something in a specific manner.

I believed to be

This alternative highlights the act of holding a particular belief or opinion about something.

I mistook for

This alternative specifies that there was an error or misunderstanding in the initial assumption.

I identified as

This alternative focuses on recognizing or classifying something based on certain characteristics.

I perceived as

This alternative highlights the sensory or intuitive understanding of something.

I understood as

This alternative emphasizes the comprehension or interpretation of something.

I interpreted as

This alternative focuses on the act of explaining or giving meaning to something.

I presumed

This alternative conveys a weaker level of certainty or evidence in the initial assumption.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "I took for" in a sentence?

The phrase "I took for" requires a complement to be grammatically correct. For example, you can say "I took it for granted" or "I took him for a friend."

What's a more appropriate alternative to "I took for" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "I assumed", "I considered", or "I presumed" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "I took for" grammatically correct on its own?

No, "I took for" is not grammatically correct on its own. It needs to be followed by additional words to form a complete and meaningful phrase. For example, "I took for granted".

What's the difference between "I took for granted" and "I assumed"?

"I took for granted" implies that something was not appreciated or valued until it was lost or changed, while "I assumed" simply means that you supposed something to be true without proof. The former carries a sense of regret or realization.