is a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a given" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is assumed or accepted to be true without needing to be stated. For example: "Having a good work ethic is a given in this job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Deception is a given.

The New York Times - Arts

Talent is a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Ridiculousness is a given.

The New York Times

Weapons control is a given.

The New York Times

"TV Everywhere is a given.

The New York Times

Rather, her goodness is a given.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

There is a give and take".

The New York Times

Conversation is a give and take.

WikiHow

"That was a given.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a given".

The New York Times - Food

That's a given!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a given" to succinctly convey that something is a prerequisite, expectation, or certainty, avoiding unnecessary elaboration.

Common error

Avoid presenting subjective beliefs or assumptions as if they are undeniably true by using "is a given". Ensure the statement genuinely reflects a widely accepted fact or expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a given" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a noun or concept as something that is presupposed, certain, or taken for granted. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is used to denote assumptions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a given" is a versatile expression used to denote something that is assumed, certain, or taken for granted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for various contexts, it's crucial to ensure that the statement reflects a genuinely accepted fact, avoiding the presentation of subjective opinions as undeniable truths. Alternatives like "goes without saying" or "is to be expected" can be used for subtle shifts in emphasis. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective, establishing common understanding by indicating something universally accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a given fact

Adds emphasis to the factual and undeniable nature of something.

goes without saying

Underscores the obviousness of a statement.

is a certainty

Emphasizes the sureness and reliability of something.

is to be expected

Focuses on the anticipation or likelihood of something happening.

is guaranteed

Stresses the assurance and promise associated with something.

is a foregone conclusion

Highlights the inevitability or certainty of an outcome.

is understood

Highlights that something should be obvious without needing to be explicitly stated.

is implicit

Highlights the implied nature of something, rather than being directly expressed.

is axiomatic

Suggests something is self-evidently true and requires no proof.

is taken for granted

Emphasizes the lack of appreciation or awareness of something.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "is a given" in a sentence?

You can use "is a given" to indicate something that is assumed or accepted to be true without needing proof. For example, "In any business negotiation, compromise "is a given"".

What are some alternatives to "is a given"?

Alternatives to "is a given" include "is taken for granted", "goes without saying", or "is to be expected", each subtly altering the emphasis.

Is it correct to say "was a given" instead of "is a given"?

Yes, you can use "was a given" when referring to something that was considered certain or assumed in the past. For example, "Back then, hard work "was a given" for success".

What's the difference between "is a given" and "is a sure thing"?

While both suggest certainty, "is a given" implies something is a prerequisite or assumption, whereas "is a sure thing" focuses more on the guaranteed outcome. For example, "Having a valid passport "is a given" for international travel," but "Winning the lottery "is a sure thing"".