take for granted

USAGE SUMMARY

"take for granted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something is accepted or assumed without question. For example, "We took for granted that the plan would be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People take for granted what she does.

The New York Times

"Nothing you can take for granted".

The New Yorker

It's, what do they take for granted?

The New York Times

"It's something you can't take for granted.

The New York Times - Sports

Basic stuff we take for granted.

The Guardian

So it's nothing I take for granted.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not something I take for granted".

The Guardian - Film

Things that other people take for granted.

The New York Times

We do take for granted yesterday's innovations.

The New Yorker

We take for granted that art travels.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's one that people take for granted.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the importance of something, use the phrase "take for granted" to highlight what people might lose if they don't appreciate it. For example, "Don't take for granted the support of your family; it's more valuable than you realize."

Common error

Avoid assuming that using "take for granted" automatically implies negativity. While it often carries a negative connotation, ensure the context clearly indicates the potential loss or underestimation to effectively convey the intended message. Do not say: "I take my car for granted", instead include why and what would happen if it disappeared.

How to use

Learn how to use "take for granted" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take for granted" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of appreciation or underestimation of something's value or importance. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take for granted" is a common phrase used to express a lack of appreciation or underestimation of something's value, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing in diverse contexts but predominantly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context conveys potential loss or underestimation effectively. Remember, recognizing the value of things we often take for granted can lead to greater appreciation and awareness in our daily lives. Alternatives such as "fail to appreciate", "underestimate", and "undervalue" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to appreciate

Directly expresses the lack of gratitude or recognition for something.

not fully recognize

Highlights a partial or incomplete understanding of the value of something.

undervalue

Highlights the failure to appreciate the true worth of something.

underestimate

Focuses on the act of assigning too low of a value or importance to something.

become complacent about

Suggests a state of satisfaction that leads to a lack of awareness of potential risks or the value of something.

not give due credit

Emphasizes the lack of acknowledgment for someone's efforts or contributions.

overlook

Suggests that something is missed or not noticed, leading to a lack of appreciation.

minimize

Conveys the act of reducing the perceived importance or significance of something.

disregard

Implies a lack of attention or respect for something.

count blessings

This alternative suggests the opposite of the query, and is about appreciating the good things in life.

FAQs

How can I use "take for granted" in a sentence?

You can use "take for granted" to indicate that someone doesn't fully appreciate something. For instance, "People often take for granted the simple things in life" or "Don't take for granted the opportunities you have".

What's a more formal way to say "take for granted"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "fail to fully appreciate", "underestimate the value of", or "become complacent about". For example, instead of saying "They take for granted their freedom", you could say "They fail to fully appreciate their freedom".

What's the difference between "take for granted" and "assume"?

"Assume" means to suppose something is true without proof, while "take for granted" means to not properly appreciate something because you believe it will always be available or stay the same. You might "assume" that a project will be completed on time, but you take for granted the hard work of the team members involved.

Is it always negative to "take for granted" something?

While "take for granted" often has a negative connotation, it's not always the case. It usually suggests a lack of awareness or appreciation, which can lead to problems. However, sometimes it simply reflects a sense of security or reliance. It largely depends on the context.