take someone for granted

Meaning

To 'take someone for granted' means to fail to appreciate them because they are always there, always helpful, or always supportive. It describes a situation where you expect someone to do things for you without showing gratitude or acknowledging their value. The tone is often reflective, regretful, or accusatory.

Examples

• I realized I was taking my partner for granted, so I planned a special date night.

  I realized I was taking my partner for granted, so I planned a special date night.

• Don't take your loyal customers for granted, or they will switch to a competitor.

  Don't take your loyal customers for granted, or they will switch to a competitor.

• She felt taken for granted at work because her extra efforts were never noticed.

  She felt taken for granted at work because her extra efforts were never noticed.

• It's easy to take your parents for granted until you move out and live on your own.

  It's easy to take your parents for granted until you move out and live on your own.

• I never want to take you for granted; I truly appreciate everything you do for me.

  I never want to take you for granted; I truly appreciate everything you do for me.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She takes me as granted.

  ✓ She takes me for granted.

  The correct preposition in this fixed idiom is 'for', not 'as'.

• ✗ I was taken by granted by my boss.

  ✓ I was taken for granted by my boss.

  In the passive voice, 'taken for granted' remains intact; only the agent is introduced by 'by'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you keep treating her like she doesn't matter, she'll leave. You shouldn't ___.

  💡 Fail to appreciate her value.

  Show answer

  take her for granted

• He is tired of being ___ by his roommates who never clean up.

  💡 Not being appreciated.

  Show answer

  taken for granted