A certain amount of power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A certain amount of power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific, but not precisely quantified, level of power in various contexts, such as physics, politics, or influence. Example: "In order to operate the machinery effectively, a certain amount of power is required to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A certain amount of power is always lost in transmission from the plant to consumers, and the greater the distance it has to travel the higher the losses.

The New Yorker

Rays are processed as a vector field, each of them carrying a certain amount of power.

Optics & Laser Technology

You set it so it rotates and vibrates with a certain amount of power depending on how heavy the seeds are you hope to count.

Cornell University

The capacity market guarantees a steady electricity supply by offering support to generators in return for a commitment to provide a certain amount of power to the grid.

The Guardian

Under deregulation, utilities that used to have monopolies must set aside a certain amount of power for outside companies, like this one, to sell to consumers.

The New York Times

Does being a doctor make you a better writer? A. The things I write about always have a certain amount of power personally.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Due to the adoption of operation constraints as well as the activation a certain amount of reactive power generation in Region 3 by a DER, the preliminary active power scheduling of DERs and Disco may be required to be changed.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

For instance, when they measured the prices of computers, they saw that $1,000 bought a certain amount of computing power in 1998 and twice as much as 1999.

The New York Times

Each stretch of transmission line consumes a certain amount of reactive power, and the greater the distance, the more VAR's needed.

The New York Times

As may have been the ECB, who would have ceded a certain amount of their power and control to those franchise sides.

The Guardian - Sport

Christie's troubles, however, have revived talk, especially among donors and business-oriented conservatives, that he is one of the few potential candidates with executive experience, name recognition and a certain amount of star power (although right-wingers may disagree with that).

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a certain amount of power", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to physical energy, political influence, or personal capability. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain amount of power" without specifying what kind of power you mean. For example, instead of saying "He has a certain amount of power", clarify it as "He has a certain amount of political power" or "He has a certain amount of electrical power."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain amount of power" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an unspecified quantity of influence, energy, or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain amount of power" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, indicating an unspecified quantity of influence, energy, or authority. While generally neutral in register, its specific formality depends on the surrounding context. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles. For clarity, specifying the type of "power" is recommended. Alternatives include "a specific quantity of power" or "a degree of influence", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A specific quantity of power

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a more defined but still not necessarily quantified amount.

A degree of influence

Shifts the focus from raw power to the impact or sway one has.

Some level of control

Emphasizes the ability to manage or direct something.

A measurable amount of energy

Focuses on the quantifiable aspect of energy rather than a vague sense of power.

A particular magnitude of force

Highlights the intensity or strength of a force being applied.

A limited capacity

Indicates a restriction on the amount of power or ability available.

A moderate amount of authority

Suggests a balanced or restrained level of command.

A considerable level of effectiveness

Shifts the emphasis to the outcome or result of using power.

An appreciable extent of dominance

Highlights the degree to which one entity prevails over others.

A noteworthy scope of competence

Focuses on the breadth and depth of one's capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "A certain amount of power" in a sentence?

You can use "A certain amount of power" to indicate an unspecified quantity of energy, influence, or authority. For example: "The machine requires "a certain amount of power" to operate efficiently."

What phrases are similar to "A certain amount of power"?

Similar phrases include "a specific quantity of power", "a degree of influence", or "some level of control", depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "A certain amount of power"?

While "A certain amount of power" is grammatically correct, being more specific can improve clarity. Instead of "a certain amount", consider using "a specific level of power" if you can quantify it, or describe the type of power you are referring to.

In what contexts is "A certain amount of power" commonly used?

"A certain amount of power" can be used in various contexts, including discussions about electricity, political authority, and personal capabilities. It is common in both technical and general writing.