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Meaning & use

don't take for granted

phrase·Everyday

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UK/ˌdəʊnt ˌteɪk fə ˈɡrɑːntɪd/
US/ˌdoʊnt ˌteɪk fər ˈɡræntɪd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    used to tell someone not to fail to appreciate a person or thing that they have.

    Grammar: It is an imperative. The object usually comes between 'take' and 'for granted': 'don't take her for granted'.

    Patterns

    • don't take someone for granted
    • don't take something for granted

    Don't take your parents for granted—they do a lot for you.

    Don't take your health for granted; it can change quickly.

    He told me, "Don't take her for granted, or you'll lose her."

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    used to tell someone not to assume that something is definitely true or will definitely happen.

    Grammar: Often followed by 'that' and a clause, or by a noun: 'don't take it for granted that he'll come'.

    Patterns

    • don't take it for granted that ...
    • don't take something for granted

    Don't take it for granted that the train will be on time.

    Don't take for granted that everyone agrees with you.

    In this job, don't take anything for granted—always check the details.

Common combinations

take someone for granted
After years of marriage, he started to take her for granted.
take something for granted
We take clean water for granted in many countries.
take it for granted that
She took it for granted that she would get the job.
don't take it for granted
Don't take it for granted that they will help you.

Synonyms and how they differ

underappreciate
This is more formal and means not to value something enough; 'take for granted' is the everyday phrase.
assume
This fits the second sense: to believe something is true without proof. It does not carry the idea of failing to appreciate.

Opposites

appreciatevalue

Word family

granted adverb
Used to admit that something is true before making a contrasting point: 'Granted, it's expensive, but it works well.'

Commonly confused: don't take for granted or take for granite?

don't take for granted vs take for granite

This is a common misspelling. The correct word is 'granted', not 'granite' (the rock).

Practice

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