take something for granted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take something for granted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is assumed to be true without any need for proof or further discussion. For example: "It is easy to take the value of education for granted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If we take something for granted we don't realise how important something is.

BBC

Remember though not to take something for granted or abuse the privilege.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rams safety Dre' Bly said: "I think we took something for granted because this game was really going good for us.

The New York Times - Sports

As a native New Yorker, I'd already learned that once I took something for granted as part of the Manhattan streetscape, it soon disappeared.

The New York Times

When I look back on that Dublin, when it was possible to see within five minutes of Trinity College Liam O'Flaherty or Brendan Behan or Patrick Kavanagh, I see that it was a moment for me of both astonishment and taking something for granted.

The New Yorker

So it was refreshing to read Graham nailing this nuance: "… this whole discussion has taken something for granted: that if we let more great programmers into the US, they'll want to come".

TechCrunch

"Maybe we took something for granted". Political observers say the runoff winner may have to spend close to $1 million, one reason the Republicans are betting Grisham will still win.

Los Angeles Times

"But you can't take something like that for granted".

The New York Times

This is something we seriously take for granted.

Huffington Post

These photographs take something familiar, ordinary, and taken for granted – the L – and transform it into something unfamiliar, extraordinary, and aesthetically palpable.

University of Chicago

Human nature is such that when no value is attributed to something people take it for granted - when something is free, people behave more irresponsibly.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to highlight the contrast between the actual value of a resource or relationship and the lack of attention it receives. It is particularly effective in persuasive writing to evoke gratitude or caution.

Common error

Avoid using "take something for granted" when you strictly mean "to assume a fact" in highly technical scientific papers where "postulate" or "assume" would be more precise. The idiom often carries an undertone of neglect which may be inappropriate in purely objective contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take something for granted" functions as an idiomatic transitive verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it is used to denote the act of accepting something as true or available without questioning it. Grammatically, the "something" acts as the direct object, which can be a noun, a pronoun or a complex clause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "take something for granted" is a robust and essential idiom in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly usable phrase across a wide spectrum of professional and creative writing. While the exact string appears as "Rare" in some specific search parameters, its variants like "taken for granted" or "take it for granted" are exceptionally common. It is most frequently employed in News & Media to discuss social and environmental issues where basic rights or resources are overlooked. Writers should be mindful of the subtle shift between purely logical assumption and emotional neglect when choosing this phrase over alternatives like "assume" or "presume".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presume something is certain

Focuses more on the logical assumption of a fact rather than the lack of appreciation.

fail to appreciate

Specifically targets the emotional or evaluative aspect of neglecting the value of something.

take as a given

Often used in academic or logical contexts to denote a starting assumption.

assume something without proof

A more literal and descriptive version of the epistemic meaning of the phrase.

undervalue something

Suggests that the object is not being given the credit or worth it deserves.

overlook the value of

Implies a passive failure to notice how important something is.

treat as a certainty

Emphasizes the lack of doubt regarding a future event or current state.

expect something as a right

Adds a connotation of entitlement to the act of taking something for granted.

disregard the importance of

Suggests a more active or conscious neglect of significance.

count on something blindly

Highlights the risk involved in assuming something will always be there.

FAQs

How do I use "take something for granted" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a lack of appreciation, such as "We often "take clean water for granted" until the supply is interrupted."

What is a more formal synonym for "take something for granted"?

Depending on your specific meaning, you might use "presuppose" for logical assumptions or "undervalue" for a lack of appreciation.

What does it mean to take a person for granted?

It means you have become so used to their presence or help that you no longer show gratitude, effectively treating them as if they will "always be there" without effort on your part.

Is "take as a given" different from "take for granted"?

Yes, "take as a given" is usually neutral and used for logical premises, whereas "take for granted" often implies a mistake or a moral failing of neglect.