verb phrase

take for granted

TAYK fer GRAN-tid

Take for granted (verb phrase) means to stop appreciating someone or something because you assume they will always be there and always do the same for you. Example: “After fifteen years together he had started to take her for granted.”

verb phrase

To stop appreciating someone or something because you assume they will always be there and always do the same for you.

"After fifteen years together he had started to take her for granted."

"Don't take your health for granted while you still have it."

To accept that something is true or certain without questioning or checking it.

"I took it for granted that the meeting was still going ahead."

"We take for granted that the water from the tap is safe to drink."

How to use take for granted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo stop noticing how much someone or something matters, or to just assume something is true.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in both speech and writing.

Memory tip

The phrase is 'for granted', not 'for granite'; the object goes in the middle when it is a person: take him for granted.

Easily confused with

take as granted for granted vs for granite

Common pairings

take someone for granted take it for granted that never take for granted taken for granted

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We _____ that the water from the tap is safe to drink.

Synonyms

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underappreciate undervalue overlook neglect assume presume take as read presuppose

Antonyms

appreciate cherish question verify

Related words

like love care head question ask understand guess

Rhymes for take for granted

wanted granted slanted unwanted enchanted warranted unwarranted

See all rhymes for take for granted →

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean when someone says you take them for granted?

They mean you rely on what they do for you but no longer notice it or thank them for it, so their effort has become invisible. It is a complaint about attention and appreciation rather than about anything you have actively done.

What is the difference between 'take for granted' and 'take for granted that'?

With a person or thing as the object it means failing to appreciate them. Followed by 'that' plus a clause it simply means assuming something is true, with no criticism attached: I took it for granted that you knew.

What is the meaning of take for granted?

"take for granted" (verb phrase) means to stop appreciating someone or something because you assume they will always be there and always do the same for you.

What is another word for take for granted?

Other words for "take for granted" include underappreciate, undervalue, overlook, neglect, assume, presume.

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