a certain cadence

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain cadence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it is often used to describe the rhythm or flow of language or music. Example sentence: The poet's words had a certain cadence to them, making them all the more powerful and memorable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

There's a certain cadence to the sarcasm that just flew over her shoulders".

The New York Times

Carey, too, whose father came from Harlem, says: "I have had several people in my life who have a certain cadence of Mary [the abusive mother] in them.

The Guardian - Film

"We might not be trying to reproduce a chord pattern," she continues, "but we'll be trying to recreate the feeling you get from a certain cadence you hear in Ravel.

The Guardian - Music

Follow a certain cadence.

Forbes

There's a certain cadence that you can feel when you spend time hanging any well-run startup company.

TechCrunch

Whatever that means to you, whether it's merely finishing, holding a certain cadence, or riding fast, it takes some preparation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

His autobiography, "Journey of a Thousand Miles," chronicles the prodigy's progress with a certain predictable cadence: the kind early teacher who saw his talent; the devoted but maddeningly overbearing father; the triumphant first competition at the age of five; an unexpected loss; then more victories, international schooling, and onward into the heavenly present.

The New Yorker

Esa's executive did not believe the mission could be made ready before 2025, and it wants to maintain a certain flight cadence for its science projects, ie Esa needs to be seen to be doing stuff regularly.

BBC

"Teddy loved to go talk to his grandfather about stories about Massachusetts and people in Boston, and the two men shared a roaring voice and certain cadences, for sure," Ms. Goodwin said.

The New York Times

He speaks in quick and certain cadences, on message, in sound bites, karate-chopping the table for emphasis.

The New York Times - Magazine

For me, there is a certain rhythm and cadence of New Yorkers, and this gave me the opportunity to play a New York kind of guy who's going through a lot while dealing with this smart and challenging adversary".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing speech or writing, use "a certain cadence" to denote a recognizable pattern or rhythm that contributes to the overall effect or meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain cadence" when you simply mean speed or tempo. "Cadence" implies a more complex rhythmic pattern than just how fast or slow something is. Consider using "a certain speed" if tempo is the only element you want to mention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain cadence" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner modifying the noun "cadence". It specifies that there is a particular rhythm or flow being referred to, as showcased in Ludwig's examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

21%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain cadence" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to portray a distinctive rhythm, pace, or flow. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific, and wiki sources. To enhance clarity in writing, consider carefully if "cadence" is accurately conveying the intended rhythmic nuance and avoid using it merely to indicate speed. Alternatives such as "a particular rhythm" or "a specific tempo" might be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular rhythm

Replaces "cadence" with "rhythm", emphasizing the patterned recurrence of elements.

a specific tempo

Substitutes "cadence" with "tempo", focusing on the speed or pace of something.

a defined pace

Replaces "cadence" with "pace", highlighting the rate of movement or progress.

a precise meter

Changes "cadence" to "meter", referring to a rhythmic pattern in music or poetry.

a measured rhythm

Modifies "cadence" to "measured rhythm", emphasizing regularity and control in the pattern.

a distinct flow

Replaces "cadence" with "flow", focusing on the continuous movement or progression.

a unique rhythm

Substitutes "certain" with "unique", emphasizing the individuality of the rhythm.

a characteristic lilt

Replaces "cadence" with "lilt", highlighting a graceful, rising, and falling quality.

a regular beat

Changes "cadence" to "beat", focusing on a rhythmic unit or pulse.

a steady pulse

Replaces "cadence" with "pulse", emphasizing the consistent, rhythmic throbbing or vibration.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain cadence" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain cadence" to describe the rhythmic flow of speech, music, or any patterned movement. For example: "The speaker delivered the poem with "a certain cadence", captivating the audience".

What does "a certain cadence" mean?

"A certain cadence" refers to a recognizable rhythm or pattern in a sequence of sounds or movements. It implies a characteristic flow or tempo that is distinctive.

What can I say instead of "a certain cadence"?

Alternatives include "a particular rhythm", "a specific tempo", or "a defined pace" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to use "a certain cadence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a certain cadence" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and relatively sophisticated way to describe rhythm or pace. However, consider whether a more precise term like "a precise meter" or "a measured rhythm" might be more effective.