a certain amount of bitterness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain amount of bitterness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling or sentiment that is somewhat negative or resentful, often in a context where the degree of bitterness is not precisely quantified. Example: "After the argument, there was a certain amount of bitterness lingering between them, affecting their friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Understandably, there is a certain amount of bitterness.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It was the most successful movie of all time at that point," Lucas said with a certain amount of surprising bitterness, "because it was made for so little money... something like $750,000 total".

Vice

A certain amount of sigh in it.

The New Yorker

And a certain amount of crazy".

Independent

That makes a certain amount of sense.

Forbes

Both evoked a certain amount of controversy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a certain amount of unease remains.

The New York Times

There is a certain amount of selling.

The New York Times

A certain amount of it is automated.

The New York Times

They need a certain amount of freedom.

The New York Times

A certain amount of controversy is helpful.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain amount of bitterness" when you want to acknowledge the presence of negative feelings without specifying the exact degree or intensity. This can soften the tone and avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain amount of bitterness" when the situation clearly warrants a stronger term like "intense resentment" or "outright animosity". Using a weaker phrase can downplay the true emotional weight of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain amount of bitterness" functions as a noun phrase, where "a certain amount of" acts as a determiner quantifying the noun "bitterness". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain amount of bitterness" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a moderate level of resentment or negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of bitterness described aligns with the situation, avoiding both overstatement and understatement. Alternatives such as "some level of resentment" or "a touch of resentment" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some level of resentment

Replaces "bitterness" with "resentment" and "a certain amount of" with "some level of", focusing on the feeling of indignation.

a degree of animosity

Substitutes "bitterness" with "animosity" to denote strong dislike or hostility.

a touch of resentment

Replaces "a certain amount" with "a touch", indicating a slight feeling of bitterness.

a hint of acrimony

Uses "acrimony" instead of "bitterness" to suggest sharpness or bitterness of speech or manner.

some lingering resentment

Emphasizes the persistence of the negative feeling with "lingering", rather than quantifying it.

a small measure of spite

Replaces "bitterness" with "spite" suggesting a desire to harm, offend, or frustrate someone.

a shadow of resentment

Uses a metaphorical "shadow" to indicate a subtle but present feeling of bitterness.

a residue of bitterness

Emphasizes the remaining, trace amount of bitterness after an event.

a little bad blood

An idiomatic expression suggesting a slight ongoing animosity between parties.

a shade of resentment

Employing "shade" emphasizes a subtle or nuanced element of bitterness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain amount of bitterness" to describe a situation where there is some resentment or negativity present, but the exact level is not being specified. For example: "After the competition, "a certain amount of bitterness" lingered among the contestants".

What are some alternatives to "a certain amount of bitterness"?

Alternatives include phrases like "some level of resentment", "a degree of animosity", or "a touch of resentment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a certain amount of bitterness"?

No, it's not always appropriate. If the situation involves extreme anger or hatred, a stronger phrase might be more fitting. "A certain amount" implies a moderate level, so it should be used when that is accurate.

How does "a certain amount of bitterness" differ from "intense resentment"?

"A certain amount of bitterness" suggests a limited or moderate level of negativity, while "intense resentment" indicates a much stronger and more profound feeling. The former is less severe and may imply a more subtle or lingering emotion.