a given

USAGE SUMMARY

'a given' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is taken for granted or assumed to be true, although it is not necessarily proven or verified. For example, "Given the current situation, it seems unlikely that the project will be completed in time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A given.

The New York Times - Tech

That's become a given.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing's a given.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Because it's a given.

The New Yorker

Surely that's a given?

Independent

That's a given!

The New York Times

Deception is a given.

The New York Times - Arts

Talent is a given.

The New York Times - Sports

"It wasn't a given".

Independent

Adaptation isn't a given.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a given" to streamline your writing by referencing shared knowledge or assumptions, but ensure your audience genuinely shares that understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a given" when the information is not universally understood by your audience, as this can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a given" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or appositive. It signifies something assumed to be true or certain without needing further proof. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sports

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a given" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote something that is assumed or taken for granted. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is a usable phrase in written English. Its primary function is to establish a shared understanding within a specific context, commonly found in news, media, and sports reporting. While versatile, it's important to ensure that what you present as "a given" is indeed widely understood by your intended audience to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as "a certainty" or "an assumption" can be used to fine-tune the specific meaning, as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certainty

Focuses on the sureness or inevitability of something, shifting the emphasis from assumption to likelihood.

a foregone conclusion

Emphasizes the predetermination of an outcome, implying less room for doubt than "a given".

an assumption

Highlights the act of taking something for granted, differing slightly from the acceptance implied by "a given".

a presupposition

Indicates something is assumed beforehand, often as a basis for reasoning or argument, adding a layer of formality.

something understood

Directly conveys the idea of shared knowledge or tacit agreement, contrasting with the potential for unacknowledged assumptions in "a given".

taken for granted

Highlights that something is accepted without question or appreciation, emphasizing its potential oversight.

a matter of course

Indicates that something is standard or routine, relating to established procedure rather than inherent assumption.

axiomatic

Refers to something self-evident and requiring no proof, moving into the realm of logical or mathematical certainty.

self-evident

Stresses the obviousness of something, differing from the potentially implicit nature of "a given".

inherent

Focuses on the intrinsic nature of something, rather than its assumed status, suggesting a deeper level of integration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a given" to refer to something that is assumed to be true or factual in a particular context. For example, "With current market trends, increased competition is "a given"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a given"?

Instead of saying "a given", you could use phrases like "a certainty", "a foregone conclusion", or "an assumption", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a given"?

The phrase "a given" is suitable when the fact or situation being referred to is generally accepted or understood within the relevant context. It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is not up for debate or questioning.

What's the difference between "a given" and "a fact"?

"A given" implies something is assumed or taken for granted, whereas "a fact" denotes something that is known to be true and can be verified. "A given" might not always be a verified fact, but it is treated as such for the purpose of discussion or analysis.