was a given

USAGE SUMMARY

"was a given" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that something was accepted or expected without having to be said or discussed. For example, "For our family, financial stability was a given, so we were able to focus on the important things in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"That was a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Environmental responsibility was a given.

The New York Times

It was a given.

The Guardian

None of this was a given.

The New York Times

Their support was a given.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All this was a given.

The New Yorker

The slider was a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"She was a giving person," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Ridiculousness is a given.

The New York Times

Deception is a given.

The New York Times - Arts

Talent is a given.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was a given" when you want to imply that something was so obvious or well-understood that it didn't need to be explicitly stated. This can add a sense of shared knowledge or expectation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying on "was a given" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or presumptuous. Ensure that the context genuinely supports the implication that the point was self-evident to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "was a given" is to act as a predicate nominative, identifying or renaming the subject of the sentence. Ludwig provides many examples showcasing its use in stating what was understood or pre-supposed in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

9%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was a given" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate something that was understood or expected without needing explicit statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility makes it appropriate for various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media. While useful for implying shared understanding, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase. Alternatives like "was to be expected" or "was taken for granted" can add variety to your writing. Ultimately, "was a given" serves as a concise way to communicate pre-existing assumptions or agreements, enhancing clarity and efficiency in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was to be expected

This alternative highlights the predictability or inevitability of something.

was taken for granted

This suggests something was accepted without much thought or appreciation.

was a foregone conclusion

This implies the outcome was certain before it even happened.

was considered standard

This indicates something met the established norm or expectation.

was understood

This emphasizes a mutual agreement or implicit knowledge.

was a certainty

Focuses on the sureness and lack of doubt surrounding an event or expectation.

was presupposed

Highlights an underlying assumption present from the beginning.

was an established fact

Emphasizes something already validated and confirmed.

was a matter of course

Describes something routine and normal.

was naturally assumed

Indicates a spontaneous or instinctive acceptance without verification.

FAQs

What does "was a given" mean?

"Was a given" means that something was considered certain, expected, or understood without needing to be explicitly stated or proven. It implies a pre-existing assumption or agreement.

How can I use "was a given" in a sentence?

You can use "was a given" to indicate something that was already understood or expected in a particular situation. For example, "Their support "was a given", so we focused on other challenges."

What are some alternatives to "was a given"?

Some alternatives to "was a given" include "was to be expected", "was taken for granted", or "was a foregone conclusion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was a given" formal or informal?

"Was a given" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional writing.