a certain connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but not precisely defined relationship or link between two or more things. Example: "The researchers discovered a certain connection between diet and mental health that warrants further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Because to me, engineering and finance have a certain connection.

Yale University

"I have a certain connection and obviously a fondness for this organization," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We had a certain connection, an intellectual kind of connection," Mr. Matney said.

The New York Times

They share a certain connection, but who can tell if it's a romantic one?

The Guardian - Film

Third, because Wilde's trials point to a certain connection between literary censorship and sexual oppression.

The Guardian - Books

"For me, it depended on a certain connection with Elaine and a certain mad gleam in either her or my eyes when we knew something was starting".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The wreckage of similar towns across the North Sinai, many with a far less certain connection to extremism, tells the story of a crackdown so sweeping that even ardent supporters of the military say it risks spreading sympathy for the militants it is hunting.

The New York Times

People there had a certain everyday connection to their literary culture that was exciting in its ordinariness.

University of Pennsylvania

Q. Do you need to have a certain Internet connection speed to stream Netflix movies so they don't stop and start all the time? A. Netflix recommends that you stream its movies over a broadband connection with a speed of at least 1.5 megabits per second (1.5Mbps).

The New York Times - Tech

Secondly, there belonged to this special formation those who, after they worked in this int6lligence service, w, ere taken into Amt VII, and thirdly, there belonged to this special formation the SS members of the Security Police, that is the State Police and the Criminal Police, and finally, the members of formations who had a certain working connection with the Security Police.

Yale University

Grade 1 implies a certain causal connection, 2 probable, 3 possible and 4 unlikely.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain connection" when you want to acknowledge a link between two things without specifying the exact nature or strength of that link. This can be useful when the connection is suspected but not fully understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain connection" when you have concrete evidence of a strong, well-defined relationship. Instead, opt for phrases like "a strong correlation" or "a direct link" to accurately reflect the nature of the connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain connection" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a relationship or link that exists but is not necessarily well-defined or fully understood. Examples in the search data showcase its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain connection" is a versatile tool in the English language, used to acknowledge a relationship without specifying its exact nature. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the strength of the connection when concrete evidence is lacking. Alternatives like "a specific link" or "a particular relationship" can provide more precision when needed. Remember to use "a certain connection" when you want to acknowledge a link between two things without specifying the exact nature or strength of that link.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific link

Emphasizes the existence of a particular link, rather than just a connection.

a particular relationship

Highlights the relational aspect of the connection.

a defined link

Focuses on the well-established and concrete nature of the association.

a notable link

Emphasizes the significance or noteworthiness of the relationship.

a discernible connection

Highlights the ability to perceive or recognize the relationship.

an identifiable link

Focuses on the capacity to pinpoint or recognize the association.

a traceable connection

Implies the ability to follow or track the relationship's origin and development.

a demonstrable relationship

Emphasizes the ability to prove or show evidence of the link.

a tangible relationship

Highlights that the connection is real and can be easily perceived.

an observable connection

Emphasizes the visibility and easy detection of the link.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain connection" to indicate a relationship between two or more things without being specific about the nature of that relationship. For example, "The detective suspected a certain connection between the two crimes."

What phrases are similar to "a certain connection"?

Similar phrases include "a specific link", "a particular relationship", or "an identifiable link", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "a certain connection" or "a clear connection"?

The choice depends on the context. "A certain connection" implies the existence of a link that may not be fully understood or proven, while "a clear connection" suggests a link that is easily observed and understood. If the connection is undeniable, use "clear". If the connection is still tentative, use "certain".

What does "a certain connection" imply about the relationship?

The phrase "a certain connection" suggests that there's a relationship or link of some kind, but its exact nature, strength, or details are not fully defined or may not be fully known. It's a way of acknowledging that something links two or more things, while keeping the specific details vague.