taking as a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking as a given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is accepted as true or assumed without needing further proof or discussion. Example: "In our analysis, we are taking as a given that the market will continue to grow at its current rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's his job to try to maintain his flock, quite aside from his religious conviction, which I am taking as a given.

Independent

Taking as a given the essential passivity and agony of passion, he contemplates with awe the infinitesimal distance between martyrdom and madness, between self-destruction and self-sacrifice.

The New Yorker

With some effort — and good online security practices (which we're taking as a given for the purposes of this article, but one quick tip: Enable 2FA everywhere you can) — you can also make it harder for the web's lurking watchers to dine out on your data.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This cannot be taken as a given.

The New York Times

"Military service is more or less taken as a given".

The New York Times

For many Afghans, the warlords' atrocities are taken as a given �� old news better left unrevived.

The New York Times

It is taken as a given that legal status will help them climb the economic ladder.

The New York Times

All the same, his organisational skills should not be taken as a given.

The Economist

Until relatively recently, it was taken as a given that dreams were meaningful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too often the link between good housing and good health is taken as a given.

The Guardian

And the component that is taken as a given and is so automatic is confidence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking as a given" to streamline arguments by acknowledging shared assumptions, allowing you to focus on more debatable points.

Common error

Avoid relying on "taking as a given" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your arguments seem less rigorous or dismissive of alternative perspectives. Consider providing brief justifications for key assumptions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking as a given" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce an assumption that is considered to be true or factual, without requiring further proof or discussion. As evidenced by Ludwig, this expression helps to streamline arguments by establishing common ground.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking as a given" is a grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to introduce an assumption that is considered true and requires no further proof. While Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, its frequency is rare. The phrase is primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. It's best used to streamline arguments by acknowledging shared assumptions. Be cautious not to overuse it, as it may weaken your arguments. Alternative phrases include "assuming as true" and "presupposing".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming as true

Focuses on the act of assumption rather than acceptance.

presupposing

Implies a prior condition or belief that influences the current situation.

considering as certain

Highlights the level of confidence in the assumed fact.

accepting without question

Emphasizes the lack of scrutiny or doubt.

taking for granted

Suggests a lack of appreciation or awareness.

regarding as established

Implies a formal or widely recognized acceptance.

positing as a known fact

Highlights the act of presenting something as undeniably true.

proceeding on the assumption

Focuses on the action taken based on the assumed truth.

treating as a certainty

Emphasizes the unwavering belief in the assumed fact.

believing without proof

Highlights the absence of supporting evidence for the belief.

FAQs

How can I use "taking as a given" in a sentence?

You can use "taking as a given" to introduce an assumption that is considered true or accepted without further discussion. For example, "Taking as a given that the economy will improve, we can expect increased investment."

What's the difference between "taking as a given" and "assuming"?

"Taking as a given" implies a stronger level of acceptance or agreement, suggesting the assumption is widely held or self-evident. "Assuming" is more general and may indicate a temporary or provisional belief.

What are some alternatives to "taking as a given"?

You can use alternatives like "assuming as true", "presupposing", or "considering as certain" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "taking as a given" in academic writing?

While "taking as a given" can be useful for streamlining arguments, it's crucial to ensure the assumption is genuinely accepted within the relevant academic community. Otherwise, it's best to provide a brief justification or citation.