Understanding the Idiom: "Take for Granted"
Have you ever spent a day without electricity or clean running water? Most of us go through our daily lives assuming these comforts will always be there. When we stop noticing or appreciating the value of something because it is always available, we take it for granted. This common English idiom describes a psychological shift where we stop being grateful for the things, people, or opportunities that consistently surround us.
Meanings and Usage
The phrase take for granted has two primary meanings in English. Understanding the context will help you use it accurately in your own writing and conversation.
1. To undervalue or underappreciate
This is the most common way the phrase is used. It means to fail to properly appreciate someone or something because you have become too accustomed to them. It suggests a lack of gratitude or recognition for the benefits they provide.
2. To assume something is true
In a more formal or logical sense, to take something for granted means to accept it as a fact without feeling the need to verify it or look for proof. You simply assume that it is true because it seems obvious.
Grammar and Patterns
The phrase functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object. You cannot usually say "I take for granted" without specifying what is being taken. Here are the standard patterns:
- Take [something/someone] for granted: "Many young people take their health for granted."
- Take it for granted that [clause]: "I took it for granted that the meeting would be rescheduled."
Because it is a phrasal verb, you can use it in various tenses, though it most frequently appears in the present or past tense:
- Present: "Don't take your friends for granted."
- Past: "She realized she had taken her job for granted until she lost it."
- Continuous (rare but possible): "I think you are taking my support for granted."
Common Mistakes
Learners often make a few specific errors when using this phrase. First, remember that "granted" is a fixed part of the idiom. You should never change it to "take for grantedly" or "take for grant."
Second, ensure you include the object. A common mistake is saying, "I took it for granted." While grammatically correct if "it" refers to a previous subject, ensure the listener knows exactly what you are referring to. If you haven't mentioned the subject yet, the sentence will sound confusing and incomplete.
FAQ
Is "take for granted" always negative?
It is usually negative. When you take a person for granted, it implies you are being inconsiderate. However, when you take a fact for granted in a scientific or logical context, it is simply a neutral way of saying you have accepted a premise as true.
Can I use "take for granted" in professional emails?
It is better to avoid it in very formal or high-stakes correspondence, as it can sound like a criticism of the recipient. In a casual office environment, however, it is perfectly acceptable.
What is a synonym for "take for granted"?
Depending on the context, you could use "undervalue," "overlook," "assume," or "presume."
Conclusion
The phrase take for granted serves as a powerful reminder to stay mindful. Whether it is a luxury, a relationship, or a basic human right, we often find ourselves drifting into a state of assumption. By consciously recognizing the things we take for granted, we can cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and keep our assumptions in check.