not a given

USAGE SUMMARY

"not a given" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is not certain or assumed to be true. For example: "This outcome is not a given - it will depend on how the negotiations play out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's not a given.

The New York Times - Sports

And it's not a given.

Independent

This was not a given.

The New York Times

That is not a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Economic recovery is not a given.

The New York Times

But it is not a given.

The New Yorker

But growth is not a given.

The New York Times - Magazine

This sophistication is not a given.

The New York Times

That's not a given.

The New York Times

But it's not a given.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It wasn't a given".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a given" to clearly express that an outcome or situation should not be taken for granted. This adds a layer of caution or realism to your statement.

Common error

While "not a given" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "uncertain" or "not guaranteed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a given" functions as a qualifier or adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or situation to indicate that it is uncertain or should not be assumed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a given" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that something is uncertain or should not be taken for granted. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and formal contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "uncertain" or "not guaranteed" in certain professional settings. Remember to use "not a given" to add caution or realism to your statements, emphasizing that effort or specific conditions are necessary to achieve a desired result. When in doubt about usage in a specific context, it's recommended to consult examples and consider alternative phrasing options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not assured

Replaces "given" with "assured", emphasizing the lack of certainty.

not guaranteed

Substitutes "given" with "guaranteed", highlighting the absence of a promise.

not certain

Replaces the idiom with a more direct expression of uncertainty.

not definite

Similar to "not certain", but with a focus on the lack of a clear or fixed outcome.

not to be expected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation or predictability.

not a certainty

Replaces "given" with the noun "certainty", providing a slightly more formal tone.

up in the air

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey uncertainty or unresolved status.

subject to change

Highlights the possibility of alterations or modifications.

far from certain

Emphasizes a greater degree of uncertainty compared to "not certain".

contingent upon

Indicates that the outcome depends on specific conditions or events.

FAQs

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

You can use "not a given" to indicate that something is uncertain or should not be assumed. For example, "Success is "not a given"; it requires hard work and dedication."

What are some alternatives to "not a given"?

Alternatives include "not certain", "not guaranteed", or "not definite". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "not a given" formal or informal?

"Not a given" is generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.

What does it mean when something is "not a given"?

It means that the outcome is not assured or predetermined. It implies that effort or other factors are needed to achieve a desired result.