Directions : Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words are given after the sentence. Select the most appropriate word or group of words for the blank space and indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. He feels that he has been ____________.
taken for granted
Understanding the Idiom in English Grammar
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word or group of words to fill in the blank in the sentence: "He feels that he has been ____________." We need to select a phrase that makes the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful in context.
Analyzing the Sentence and Blank
The sentence uses the passive voice ("has been ________"). The subject "He" feels that something has been done to him or in relation to him. We are looking for a phrase that describes a common feeling when someone is not appreciated for their efforts or presence.
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine each option provided:
- taken for granted: This is a widely used idiom in English. The phrase "to take someone/something for granted" means to fail to appreciate someone or something, assuming that they will always be there or available, without giving them special thought or thanks. When someone feels they have been "taken for granted," it means they feel unappreciated or undervalued. This fits the context of the sentence perfectly, describing a common feeling of not being valued enough.
- taken as granted: This phrasing is grammatically incorrect and is not a standard English idiom. The correct preposition used with "granted" in this idiomatic expression is "for," not "as."
- taken for ease: This phrase does not form a recognized idiom or expression that fits the context of feeling unappreciated. While "ease" relates to comfort or lack of difficulty, "taken for ease" doesn't convey the intended meaning in this sentence.
- taken in it: The phrase "taken in" can mean deceived or accommodated, but "taken in it" is grammatically awkward and doesn't fit the context of feeling unappreciated or undervalued. It lacks a clear meaning in this sentence.
Choosing the Most Appropriate Phrase
Based on the analysis of each option, "taken for granted" is the only grammatically correct and idiomatically appropriate phrase that fits the blank space and conveys the likely meaning of the sentence. It expresses the feeling of being unappreciated or having one's value or efforts overlooked because they are assumed to be a constant.
Common Idioms and Phrases
Understanding common idioms and phrases is crucial for mastering English grammar and vocabulary. Idioms are expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break a leg | Good luck | Go on stage and break a leg! |
| Bite the bullet | Face a difficult situation with courage | You just have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth. |
| Call it a day | Stop working on something | I'm tired; let's call it a day. |
| Get something off your chest | Express something that has been worrying you | I need to talk to you and get this off my chest. |
| Taken for granted | Not appreciated enough | She felt taken for granted after working late every night. |
Revision Table: Key Takeaways
| Concept | Explanation | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Idiom "Taken for granted" | Means to fail to appreciate someone or something; assume their presence/value without gratitude. | Correct usage in expressing feeling unappreciated. |
| Grammar Check | Ensure the chosen phrase fits grammatically. "Taken as granted" is incorrect. | Avoid common errors in idiomatic expressions. |
| Contextual Meaning | The phrase must make sense in the context of the sentence ("He feels that he has been..."). | Selecting the most appropriate word/phrase. |
Additional Information on English Idioms
Learning idioms is an important part of improving fluency and understanding native speakers. Idioms add color and depth to language.
- Many idioms are metaphorical, meaning their literal meaning is different from their figurative meaning.
- The specific words and their order in an idiom are usually fixed and cannot be changed. For example, you cannot say "granted for taken."
- Practicing recognizing and using common idioms helps in scoring well on English language tests and improves overall communication skills.
- Dictionaries and online resources often list common idioms and their meanings.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
There was a time when West Germany was a distinct ______.
Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
My son is very _____, he trusts everyone.Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
I accepted the offer _______ certain conditions.
Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
