a certain compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but not precisely defined compromise in a discussion or negotiation context. Example: "After much deliberation, we reached a certain compromise that satisfied both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At this moment, everything takes place as if a certain compromise had been established between the water services and the consumers.

Applied Water Science

Canonical analysis showed that the experimental conditions where the optima are found for each individual response are just opposite, so it is required to look for a certain compromise, which was achieved using the desirability function, in the last step.

Materials Chemistry and Physics

The presented results suggest that it is necessary a certain compromise between the choice of the design parameters and the numerical precision of the tools involved in the control design.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

In all the cases, the experimental conditions where the optima are found for each individual response are just opposite, so it is required to look for a certain compromise, that is achieved using the desirability function.

Talanta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, PEG chains which exceed a certain length compromised the efficiency of delivery, with PEG-3000 appearing to be the most effective size.

BioMed Research International

Thus, even though the category of the absolutist is helpful for theoretical delineation of different attitudes, the typical absolutist – at least among our informants – is not absolutely absolutist, but rather marked by a striking ambivalence and a willingness to make certain compromises (e.g., prescribing contraceptives that have post-fertilization effects).

BMC Medical Ethics

That said, if every person who built a house set out to do the right thing -- even within a narrow budget with certain compromises -- the ramifications would be huge.

The New York Times - Travel

For the purposes of the present study it was necessary to obtain wide anatomical coverage of both limbs at thigh and calf level in a practical examination time: this necessitated certain compromises in the acquisition design, such as precluding the use of a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill multi-echo T2-measurement sequence.

European Radiology

While the dearth of comparable data in this study is a likely factor in not uncovering clear trends, standard multivariate ordination analysis was also complicated by the fact that few species were shared among widely separated regions on a global scale, creating a special case scenario requiring further manipulations, each with certain compromises (see methods).

Plosone

Being a paid-up member of the Hollywood community involves certain compromises.

The Guardian - Film

Neither party is a natural home for the wide array of Catholic teachings, so certain compromises have to be made and the result is that you are going to upset people on both sides," O'Loughlin said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain compromise" when you want to acknowledge that an agreement has been reached but don't need to specify the exact details of the concessions made. It implies a level of understanding without being overly explicit.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain compromise" repeatedly in the same text, as it can make your writing sound vague and unconvincing. Instead, provide specific details about the agreement or use stronger, more descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain compromise" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a specific, yet unspecified, agreement reached through mutual concessions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain compromise" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to acknowledge an agreement involving concessions without specifying the details. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its place in neutral contexts like science and news media. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context and ensure the level of specificity aligns with the communication goals, as vagueness can undermine clarity. Consider alternatives like "a specific agreement" or "a particular settlement" for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain balance

Emphasizes equilibrium achieved through adjustments, shifting focus from concession to overall stability.

a certain settlement

Highlights the resolution aspect, suggesting a formal agreement to end a dispute.

a certain consensus

Focuses on widespread agreement rather than specific concessions made.

a certain agreement

Replaces "compromise" with a broader term for mutual understanding, applicable in various contexts.

a reasonable compromise

Highlights the fairness and justification of the compromise, adding a layer of value judgment.

a particular compromise

Specifies that the compromise is distinct and specific, rather than general.

a certain solution

Focuses on the problem-solving aspect, where compromise leads to a resolution.

a safe compromise

Implies that the compromise minimizes risk or potential negative consequences.

a clear compromise

Highlights the unambiguity and explicitness of the compromise reached.

a certain deal

Informal way to say a arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain compromise" to refer to an agreement where concessions were made, without needing to elaborate on the specifics. For example, "After the negotiations, they reached "a certain compromise" to avoid further conflict."

What phrases are similar to "a certain compromise"?

Similar phrases include "a certain agreement", "a certain settlement", or "a reasonable compromise", which all indicate a resolution involving mutual concessions.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain compromise"?

While "a certain compromise" is acceptable, being specific about the terms of the agreement provides more clarity and transparency. Use it when the details are unimportant or confidential.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a certain compromise"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that an agreement has been reached, but you don't need to provide specific details, or when those details are already understood within the context of the discussion.