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 unspecified quantity of power in various contexts, such as physics, politics, or influence. Example: "In order to operate the machinery efficiently, we need to ensure that it receives a certain amount of power."

✓ Grammatically correct

Optics & Laser Technology

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

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

This equation tells you that if you want a certain amount of power, then the higher the voltage you use, the lower the current you need.

The Guardian

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

In scientific contexts, quantify "a certain amount of power" with measurable units whenever possible to enhance precision and clarity in your writing.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "a certain amount of power" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language such as "specific power output" or "defined influence level" to convey information with greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain amount of power" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It is used to indicate an unspecified quantity or degree of power, whether physical, political, or social. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain amount of power" is a versatile expression used across various contexts to indicate an unspecified quantity or degree of power. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While suitable for many situations, more precise language might be preferred in highly technical contexts. As various reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian show, this phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as in academic writing. When choosing to use this expression, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical, political, or social power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of influence

Emphasizes the extent of influence rather than raw power.

a level of control

Highlights the aspect of control associated with power.

some capacity

Focuses on the capability or ability to exert power.

a measure of authority

Stresses the authorized or legitimate aspect of power.

a particular force

Indicates the force or strength component of power.

a quantity of energy

Relates to the physical or potential energy that power can represent.

a specific potency

Highlights the effectiveness or strength of the power.

a share of dominance

Implicates a portion of overall dominance or control.

a fraction of impact

Suggests a limited portion of total impact or effect.

a semblance of command

Implies a superficial or outward show of power, rather than genuine authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain amount of power" when you want to refer to an unspecified quantity of power. For example: "The device requires "a certain amount of power" to operate efficiently."

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

Some alternatives to "a certain amount of power" include "a degree of influence", "a level of control", or "some capacity", depending on the context.

Is it ever better to use more specific language than "a certain amount of power"?

Yes, especially in technical or scientific writing. Using more precise terms like "specific power output" or "defined influence level" can improve clarity and accuracy compared to "a certain amount of power".

How does the context affect the meaning of "a certain amount of power"?

The context determines whether "a certain amount of power" refers to physical energy, political influence, or personal authority. Understanding the surrounding information is crucial for correctly interpreting the phrase.