a certain amount of capital

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain amount of capital" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing financial resources or investments in a business context. Example: "To start the new project, we will need a certain amount of capital to cover initial expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When banks make loans, regulators demand that they set aside a certain amount of capital.

The New York Times

He describes his job as "being given access to a certain amount of capital, and then I have to put as much of that capital into the market as possible.

The Guardian - Business

"If he wins the election, I would predict a certain amount of capital flight and a fall in the stock market," said Fritz Du Bois, director of the Peruvian Economic Institute, a free-market policy analysis group.

The New York Times

These regulations require P2P platforms to carry a certain amount of capital, to describe risks accurately and to have a resolution plan in place in case the platform fails.

The Guardian

The clients in the new fund, who had agreed to invest a certain amount of capital over time, not only stuck by their promises but they also paid the first $85 million of their commitments, said Mr. Czech.

The New York Times

Days before, Ms. Lord said, the New York Power Authority had announced details of a program that would give businesses access to subsidized hydroelectric power in exchange for a commitment to add a certain number of jobs and plow a certain amount of capital into their businesses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

You expend a certain amount of political capital when you stand up for the little guy, and Brando expended all his in one fell swoop".

Independent

To keep new participants out of the business of clearing trades, the established firms have rules requiring incoming members to hold a certain amount of net capital — in some cases $5 billion — and they want to keep these thresholds intact.

The New York Times

It established the then-29-year-old film-maker as both a commercial director (marketable paranormality) and an auteur (classy suspense), and gave him a certain amount of spending capital in Hollywood; suddenly "An M Night Shyamalan Film" became a marketable commodity, denoting a particularly grown-up strain of genre cinema.

The Guardian - Film

You purchase a certain amount of military capital at the expense of certain principles and ideals that end up having hemispheric repercussions.

Huffington Post

We recently tested this question with a public goods game, a type of experiment often used to study the conflict between group and self-interest., Over 12 rounds, six participants recruited from the same class could choose to invest a certain amount of their allotted capital, endowed to them at the start of the game, into a common pool or keep it.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial planning or business requirements, use "a certain amount of capital" to indicate a non-specific but necessary quantity of funds. Be sure to follow up with specifics where possible to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague quantifiers like "a certain amount of capital" without providing further context. Always aim to quantify or qualify the amount as much as possible to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain amount of capital" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying an unspecified quantity of financial resources. It is used to indicate a need for funds without providing an exact number. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain amount of capital" is a common and correct phrase used to indicate an unspecified quantity of financial resources. It's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting into various contexts such as news, science, and business. While the phrase is helpful, remember to provide specific details about the amount whenever possible to avoid vagueness. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity, suggesting alternatives like "a specific sum of capital" or "an adequate level of capital" for more precise communication. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian further validates its proper use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific sum of capital

Replaces 'certain' with 'specific', indicating a defined quantity.

a definite quantity of capital

Substitutes 'certain' with 'definite', emphasizing a precise amount.

an adequate level of capital

Focuses on the sufficiency rather than a specific amount.

a designated amount of capital

Highlights that the amount has been pre-determined or allocated.

a requisite quantity of capital

Emphasizes that the amount is necessary or required.

a stipulated sum of capital

Highlights that the amount has been agreed upon or specified in a contract.

a prescribed level of capital

Emphasizes that the amount is officially set or recommended.

a fixed quantity of capital

Highlights that the amount is unchangeable.

a particular amount of capital

Replaces 'certain' with 'particular', indicating a specific but not necessarily defined quantity.

a given quantity of capital

Highlights that the amount has been previously mentioned or established.

FAQs

How to use "a certain amount of capital" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain amount of capital" to indicate that an unspecified quantity of funds is needed for a specific purpose. For example, "The project requires "a certain amount of capital" to cover initial expenses."

What can I say instead of "a certain amount of capital"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific sum of capital", "an adequate level of capital", or "a designated amount of capital" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a certain amount of capital" or "certain amount of capital"?

"A certain amount of capital" is the correct and grammatically sound phrase. Omitting the article 'a' makes the phrase incorrect.

What's the difference between "a certain amount of capital" and "a significant amount of capital"?

"A certain amount of capital" implies a necessary quantity without specifying its size, whereas "a significant amount of capital" suggests that the required quantity is substantial or noteworthy.