take something for granted

Meaning

This expression means to value something or someone too lightly, or to assume they will always be available without appreciating them. It is often used when people realize they have overlooked the importance of a helper, a resource, or a privilege.

Examples

• I used to take my health for granted until I got seriously ill last year.

  I used to take my health for granted until I got seriously ill last year.

• Don't take your partner for granted; make sure you show them some appreciation.

  Don't take your partner for granted; make sure you show them some appreciation.

• We often take clean running water for granted in developed countries.

  We often take clean running water for granted in developed countries.

• She felt taken for granted at her old job, so she decided to resign.

  She felt taken for granted at her old job, so she decided to resign.

• It's easy to take your parents for granted when you're growing up.

  It's easy to take your parents for granted when you're growing up.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I take for granted my friends.

  ✓ I take my friends for granted.

  The object usually goes between 'take' and 'for granted' unless it is a long clause starting with 'that'.

• ✗ Don't take it as granted that he will help us.

  ✓ Don't take it for granted that he will help us.

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

Related Expressions

Practice

• You shouldn't ___ your friends; let them know you appreciate them.

  💡 assume they will always be there without appreciating them

  Show answer

  take for granted

• He felt like his boss was ___ him ___.

  💡 not valuing his hard work (use continuous form)

  Show answer

  taking / for granted