this is a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a given" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something is an assumed fact or assumption. For example, "Given the current situation, the school board agreed to close for two weeks - this is a given."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

For many people, me included, this is a given.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a given: architecture, planning and engineering can't change it.

The New York Times - Arts

If this is a given with you, consider the concept of the actor as "meat-puppet" currently at large in some California classrooms.

The Guardian - Books

At the same time it's kind of helped us all realize that none of this is a given and you've got to work for it.

The New York Times - Sports

Given this barrier (and this is a given: I refuse to believe that anyone can understand a Shakespearean soliloquy as well as they can a modern conversation), why does Shakespeare retain such popularity even though it so difficult to follow?

The Guardian

I was the one going, 'Please, don't think this is a given, this is going to be a very tough job.' I'd watched a lot of breakfast telly – and breakfast telly's more personal than anything else".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Know that this is a give and take.

WikiHow

None of this was a given.

The New York Times

All this was a given.

The New Yorker

"I did not think this was a given," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

This was a given because I came from a lower middle-class Irish family.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a given" when you want to emphasize that something is an established fact or a necessary condition. It helps to streamline arguments by avoiding the need to explain obvious points.

Common error

While "this is a given" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated phrases like "it is understood" or "it is self-evident" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "this is a given" is as a parenthetical remark or an interjection, used to indicate that something is assumed or understood. It is commonly used to streamline arguments or discussions, indicating agreement or acceptance of a premise, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

Vice

8%

The New York Times

4%

The Guardian

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a given" is a phrase used to denote something that is assumed, understood, or inevitable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While generally acceptable, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, with consideration given to more sophisticated alternatives. Ultimately, the phrase serves as a shorthand to establish common ground and move discussions forward efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's understood

This alternative is less emphatic and focuses on mutual understanding rather than inevitability.

it's a certainty

This alternative emphasizes the sureness of the outcome, highlighting the lack of doubt.

it's inevitable

This alternative suggests that the outcome is unavoidable and predestined.

that's a sure thing

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes confidence in the outcome.

it goes without saying

This alternative highlights that something is so obvious that it doesn't need to be stated.

it's self-evident

This alternative emphasizes that something is obvious and requires no proof.

it's a foregone conclusion

This alternative suggests that the result is already determined before it happens.

it's taken for granted

This alternative focuses on something being assumed without question.

that's to be expected

This alternative suggests that the outcome aligns with expectations and is therefore not surprising.

it stands to reason

This alternative presents the matter as a logical conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a given" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a given" to indicate something that is assumed or understood, like "Given the budget constraints, that "this is a given" that we need to prioritize our projects carefully".

What are some alternatives to "this is a given"?

Some alternatives include "it's understood", "it's inevitable", or "that's a sure thing", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is "this is a given" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it's self-evident" or "it goes without saying".

What's the difference between "this is a given" and "it's taken for granted"?

"This is a given" emphasizes that something is an established fact or condition. "It's taken for granted" implies that something is assumed without question, sometimes to a point where its value is not fully appreciated. They are similar but not interchangeable.