taking this as a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking this as a given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you are accepting something as a fact or assumption without needing further proof or discussion. Example: "In our discussion about climate change, we are taking this as a given: that human activity is a significant contributor to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Taking this as a given, the leader decides to not punish the rest of the group because of the cost of that punishment.

Latin American Economic Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Resilience" takes this as a given and is commensurately humble.

The New York Times

In the case of driving, everyone would take this as a given.

The Guardian

As the last supermarket I visited was Asda on the Old Kent Road at 3am, I take this as a given.

The Guardian - Travel

Traditional critics have taken this as a given, and so have focused on studying those works more closely.

The Guardian - Books

So let's just take this as a given: We, in the media, are going to screw this up.

HuffPost

I take that as a given.

The New York Times

Let's just take that as a given.

The Guardian - Arts

It takes this pluralism as a given, without necessarily saying whether one agrees with the content of their tradition.

HuffPost

Taking this as given, I am confident that this is a good solution.

Forbes

But, hey, scientists and future scientists of the world, take this as a lesson: Giving your newly discovered species (or even your research boat) a good name can go a long way.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking this as a given" to streamline arguments by establishing shared assumptions with your audience. This allows you to focus on developing your main points without getting bogged down in proving self-evident truths.

Common error

Avoid relying on "taking this as a given" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Sometimes, it's better to briefly acknowledge the assumption or let it remain implicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking this as a given" functions as a discourse marker. It introduces an element or assumption that the speaker or writer considers to be self-evident or already established, thus framing the subsequent discussion or argument. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking this as a given" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to introduce an assumption or premise considered self-evident. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase. Its primary function is to streamline communication by establishing common ground, allowing for a more focused discussion. Although versatile across various registers, it's most prevalent in news and media. While alternatives like "assuming this is true" exist, "taking this as a given" often implies a stronger degree of certainty. Be mindful not to overuse it to maintain clarity and avoid sounding repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming this is true

Focuses more on the act of assumption rather than acceptance as a basis for further reasoning.

considering this a fact

Emphasizes the factual nature of the assumption, implying a stronger belief in its validity.

accepting this premise

Highlights the role of the statement as a foundation for an argument or conclusion.

granted that this is so

Implies a concession or agreement for the sake of argument.

presuming this to be the case

Stresses the element of presumption, suggesting a possibility of uncertainty.

given these circumstances

Focuses on the contextual background influencing the acceptance of the statement.

acknowledging this reality

Acknowledges the factual nature of the statement, more formal than the other options.

under the assumption that

Clearly states the conditional nature of the acceptance, emphasizing the hypothetical.

for the sake of argument

Used when agreeing to something temporarily to continue a discussion, even if not fully convinced.

in light of this

Highlights the informational aspect, suggesting that the subsequent argument is based on this acknowledged fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "taking this as a given" to introduce an assumption that you will not further justify. For instance, "Taking this as a given, that interest rates will remain low, we can proceed with our investment strategy."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "assuming this is true", "considering this a fact", or "granted that this is so", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "taking this as a given" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to establish a common ground with your reader by acknowledging a generally accepted fact or assumption. However, ensure it truly is a shared understanding to avoid alienating your audience.

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

"Taking this as a given" implies a stronger level of certainty or acceptance than "assuming this is true". The former suggests the point is not up for debate, while the latter allows for the possibility of being incorrect.