it is not a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not a given" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is not necessarily the case or expected in a particular situation. For example, "It's not a given that the team will win the championship this year; they'll need to work hard for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In the season's absence, Eric Duhatschek writes in The Globe and Mail that the league risks alienating its most devoted fans, and it is not a given that they will all come rushing back to the fold.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is not a given.

The New Yorker

"It is not a given nor a physical fact.

The New Yorker

"It is not a given that Serbs in the north will integrate".

The New York Times

In my experience at taxi court, it is not a given that the driver is guilty.

The New York Times

So it is not a given that they will naturally arise in games among amateurs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But it isn't a given, and even if it were, I don't think the end justifies the means.

The New York Times - Health

But it isn't a given that a bankruptcy judge will immediately hear Detroit's case.

Huffington Post

It's not a given.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's not a given.

Independent

But it's not a given.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not a given" to clearly express that an outcome or assumption should not be taken as a certainty. This phrase is useful for setting expectations and encouraging critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not a given" when you actually have solid evidence or a strong basis for an expectation. This phrase is most effective when genuine uncertainty prevails. If you have any objective indications, it's important to present the details or indicators in your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not a given" functions as a negative assertion. It serves to express uncertainty or doubt regarding a particular outcome, assumption, or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not a given" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty and challenge assumptions. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It frequently appears in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, as it can be seen in the Ludwig examples. While some alternatives exist, the specific shade of meaning may vary slightly between the phrases, which makes "it is not a given" the perfect choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not guaranteed

Replaces "given" with "guaranteed", emphasizing the lack of assurance.

it is not certain

Substitutes "given" with "certain", highlighting the element of doubt.

it is not assured

Uses "assured" instead of "given", stressing that something is not guaranteed to happen.

it is not a sure thing

Replaces "given" with the idiomatic "a sure thing", adding a touch of informality.

it is not necessarily the case

Offers a more formal and verbose alternative, emphasizing that something may not be true.

it cannot be taken for granted

Emphasizes the need to avoid assumptions, suggesting that something requires consideration.

it is not a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome is still uncertain, even if it seems likely.

it is questionable

Directly expresses doubt or uncertainty about something.

it remains to be seen

Highlights that the outcome is still unknown and will become clear in the future.

it is up in the air

Uses an informal idiom to express uncertainty about the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not a given" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not a given" to indicate that something should not be assumed or taken for granted. For example, "It is not a given that the project will be successful, so we need to carefully manage the risks".

What are some alternatives to "it is not a given"?

Alternatives include "it is not certain", "it is not guaranteed", or "it cannot be taken for granted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not a given" or "it is not guaranteed"?

Both phrases are correct, but "it is not a given" suggests more of an assumption being questioned, while "it is not guaranteed" directly addresses the lack of assurance. Consider the specific context to make the best choice.

What does "it is not a given" mean?

"It is not a given" means that something cannot or should not be assumed to be true or certain. It implies that the outcome or assumption is questionable and requires further consideration.