are taken for granted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are taken for granted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the idea that certain things, privileges, or ideas are often accepted without any thought or appreciation. For example, "The sacrifices of essential workers are taken for granted in the midst of this pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"They are taken for granted," he said.

The New York Times

Neither of which are taken for granted.

The Guardian

So they are taken for granted, undervalued and unrecognised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shocks, whether natural or manmade, are taken for granted.

The Guardian

The same could be said for the modern disc-brakes that are taken for granted nowadays.

The Economist

Moreover, the more universal your influences become, the more they are taken for granted.

The New York Times

California is so reliably Democratic that its votes are taken for granted.

The Economist

Gays expect nothing from Republican administrations and are taken for granted by Democratic ones.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite increased concern about environmental damage and resource depletion, the private motor car, and associated automobility, are taken-for-granted aspects of twenty-first-century life.

Journal of Historical Geography

Arguably templates are taken-for-granted as a part of 'good' chronic disease management.

BMJ Open

Air-conditioners are taken-for-granted, allowing embodied responses heat to be denied and ignored.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are taken for granted" to highlight a lack of appreciation for something valuable, such as essential services or personal efforts.

Common error

While "are taken for granted" is a valid phrase, overuse in sentimental contexts can weaken your message. Ensure that the sentiment is genuinely warranted and not merely a cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are taken for granted" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, typically used to describe a situation where something's value or importance is underestimated or overlooked. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are taken for granted" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is undervalued or unappreciated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. With a very common occurrence across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of overlooked value. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in overly sentimental situations. Alternatives like "are undervalued" or "are unappreciated" offer similar meanings but may fit better depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unappreciated

Highlights the absence of gratitude or thankfulness.

are undervalued

Focuses on the lack of recognition of worth.

are not valued

Emphasizes the lack of importance assigned to something.

are not recognized

Emphasizes the absence of acknowledgment or awareness.

are underestimated

Suggests a lower estimation than the actual value or importance.

are disregarded

Highlights a lack of attention or consideration.

are overlooked

Indicates that something is missed or not noticed.

are dismissed

Implies that something is disregarded or rejected without proper consideration.

are treated lightly

Suggests a lack of seriousness or importance given to something.

are commonplace

Focuses on the ordinariness and lack of special attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "are taken for granted" to express that something is undervalued or unappreciated, like in the sentence "The efforts of volunteers "are taken for granted" by many".

What are some alternatives to "are taken for granted"?

Some alternatives include "are undervalued", "are unappreciated", or "are overlooked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are taken for granted"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction commonly used to indicate a lack of appreciation or value assigned to something.

What's the difference between "are taken for granted" and "are underappreciated"?

"Are taken for granted" implies a lack of awareness or thought about the value, while "are underappreciated" suggests there is some awareness but not enough recognition. The phrase "are unappreciated" focuses more on the lack of gratitude.