The expression "take for granted" is a semi-idiomatic collocation that carries two primary meanings. First, it means to fail to properly appreciate someone or something because they are so familiar or consistent (e.g., "taking a spouse for granted"). Second, it means to assume that something is true or will happen without requiring proof or questioning it (e.g., "taking for granted that the bus will arrive").
While the individual words "take" and "granted" are common, their combination creates a specific figurative meaning that is more than the sum of its parts, making it semi-idiomatic. The register is neutral; it is equally appropriate in casual conversation, journalism, and formal academic writing.
The grammatical structure of "take for granted" can be flexible depending on the object:
What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "take as granted") or using the wrong verb (e.g., "have for granted") are common errors that native speakers avoid.
These examples are sourced from take for granted on Ludwig.guru.
"People take for granted what she does." — tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com
"We take for granted that art travels." — nytimes.com
"Basic stuff we take for granted." — theguardian.com
"Nor is such support something universities can take for granted." — economix.blogs.nytimes.com
"I can't take for granted my ability to accomplish it." — newyorker.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/take+for+granted
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| assume | A direct, neutral synonym for the "suppose to be true" meaning. |
| undervalue | Focuses specifically on the lack of appreciation or low estimation of worth. |
| presume | More formal; suggests taking something as true based on probability. |
| overlook | Suggests a failure to notice or acknowledge something important. |
| count on | Phrasal verb; emphasizes the aspect of relying on something's presence. |
| Expression | Meaning | Grammatical Pattern | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| take for granted | To fail to appreciate or to assume as true | take + [object] + for granted | Neutral |
The expression is separable and usually requires a direct object to be placed between take and for granted when using a noun or pronoun. However, when followed by a long that-clause, the components often stay together for better sentence flow.
While both can mean to believe something is true without proof, take for granted often carries a connotation of complacency or a lack of gratitude. Assume is a more neutral verb used to describe the cognitive act of taking something as a premise.
Learners often omit the necessary direct object between take and for, but the most grammatically accurate form is I take it for granted that. Including the dummy object "it" satisfies the requirement that the transitive verb "take" has an immediate object.
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