Today we would like to share with you an expression that is constantly used in English language, yet it might be slightly difficult to translate into Spanish. “Take something for granted” is defined as never care about something because you believe it will always be available or stay exactly the same way. Take for granted, thus, involves a high degree of underestimation, assuming that something will never be lost. Usually, when we use this expression we realize that whatever we took for granted is gone:
- I took for granted that I would always keep my job
- I think she takes for granted that her parents are always going to assist her financially.
It is really common to use this expression in the context of relationships, in which case we would say “take someone for granted”. It generally refers to those couples that have been together for a long time and it is assumed that they are always going to be there for each other no matter what:
- Everybody can see how he takes her for granted: he doesn’t say anything nice to her any more.
- After 40 years together, it’s obvious that John and Helen take each other for granted.
On the other hand, “take for granted” can be understood as consider something as being unfailingly true, correct, real or available. See the following examples:
- When the bank offered me the loan, I took for granted that it would be paid in my account immediately, but I was wrong.
- There is so much oil in the Middle East that people from those countries take that natural resource for granted.
- Before I went to India, I took for granted that people would use knives and forks at the table.
We hope this article helps you understand this expression better and incorporate it to your vocabulary. And remember, do not take anything or anyone for granted, since this is the first step to lose it.
For more English tips, take a look to the posts below ;)»Sigue aprendiendo inglés uniéndote a nuestra comunidad. Recibirás todas las semanas artículos de interés, lecciones, audios, ejercicios y mucho más ;)»
