Taken for granted

USAGE SUMMARY

"taken for granted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that something is assumed to be true or valuable without appreciation. Example: "She felt that her efforts were taken for granted by her colleagues." Alternative expressions include "taken as a given," "assumed," and "overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's taken for granted".

The New York Times

Government atrocities were taken for granted.

The New York Times

It was just taken for granted".

The New Yorker

"But mostly, it's taken for granted".

The New York Times

"They are taken for granted," he said.

The New York Times

But nothing can be taken for granted.

The Guardian - Sport

"Investing in communities is taken for granted.

The Economist

Yet this cannot be taken for granted.

The Economist

Much less is also taken for granted.

The New York Times - Arts

They must not be taken for granted.

The New York Times

Nothing can be taken for granted".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "taken for granted", consider the emotional impact. It often implies a sense of hurt or injustice, so ensure your tone aligns with this implication.

Common error

Avoid using "taken for granted" when you mean to convey someone is proactively assuming responsibility. "Taking initiative" describes a positive action, while "taken for granted" describes a negative perception of being undervalued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken for granted" functions primarily as a predicate adjective or part of a passive construction, describing a state of being unappreciated or undervalued. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taken for granted" is a common idiom used to express a lack of appreciation or recognition for something or someone. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions grammatically as a predicate adjective and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's crucial to consider the emotional weight the phrase carries, as it often implies a sense of injustice. When writing, avoid confusing it with phrases like "taking initiative", which describes proactive behavior rather than a lack of appreciation. Remember, effective communication involves not only using correct grammar but also understanding the subtle nuances of language to convey your message accurately and empathetically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underappreciated

Focuses on the lack of recognition or value given.

Undervalued

Emphasizes a lower value than deserved.

Not valued

Directly states the absence of worth placed on something.

Unrecognized

Highlights the lack of acknowledgment.

Overlooked

Focuses on the lack of attention or notice.

Considered a given

Emphasizes assumption without thought.

Not acknowledged

Emphasizes the absence of recognition or gratitude.

Expected as a matter of course

Highlights the routine and unquestioned nature.

Presumed upon

Highlights taking advantage of something's availability.

Counted on

Focuses on reliance without acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "taken for granted" in a sentence?

You can use "taken for granted" to express that something is not appreciated or valued as it should be. For example: "She felt her hard work was "taken for granted" by her boss".

What's a more formal alternative to "taken for granted"?

In formal contexts, you might use "underappreciated" or "undervalued" instead of "taken for granted". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a slightly more professional tone.

What does it mean to say someone is "taken for granted"?

To say someone is "taken for granted" means their efforts, presence, or contributions are not fully appreciated or acknowledged. It suggests a lack of gratitude or recognition for their value.

Is it better to say "take something for granted" or "taken for granted"?

"Take something for granted" is the active verb form, meaning to not properly appreciate something. "Taken for granted" is the passive form, describing something that is not appreciated. For example, "Don't "take your health for granted"" versus "His kindness was "taken for granted"".