a certain grit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain grit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific quality of determination or resilience in a person or situation. Example: "Despite the challenges she faced, her success was a testament to a certain grit that set her apart from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As crime scenes go, the Merrill Lynch branch office in Rockefeller Center seems to lack a certain grit.

The New Yorker

By Jeffrey Toobin As crime scenes go, the Merrill Lynch branch office in Rockefeller Center seems to lack a certain grit.

The New Yorker

Consider the reaction to a lawsuit filed earlier this year by the American Civil… By last week, all signs of Martha Stewart's legal ordeal — the TV cameras, the lines of spectators, and the bottles of Japanese herbal tea that Stewart… As crime scenes go, the Merrill Lynch branch office in Rockefeller Center seems to lack a certain grit.

The New Yorker

At first her pious indictments of men in general and Will in particular add a certain grit to the proceedings, but before long the mere appearance of that sans-serif typeface will fill both male and female readers with stupefied dread.

The New York Times - Books

It has a certain grit.

Wikipedia

It's got a dash of the rough-and-tumble to it, a certain grit, a flair for dystopian aesthetic.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Uber has the minimalism and sexiness of a Mac, but it lacks a certain New York grit.

The New York Times

Recorded live, it lacks -- by a long shot -- the tidiness in performance and sound of these artists' many recordings for Archiv, though a certain added grit is welcome.

The New York Times - Arts

At a certain point you grit your teeth, close your eyes and pray that the vehicle doesn't run off a cliff.

The New York Times

Danger Mouse, best known not only for his work as part of Gnarls Barkley but also as a producer for the Black Keys, Gorillaz and U2, is an expert at texture and melody and infuses Jones' natural warmth with a certain amount of grit.

Los Angeles Times

At the turn of the new millennium, films like The Blair Witch Project, as well as the accumulation of cell phone footage from on 9/11, introduced a new kind of realism into the visual lexicon through hand held shooting dubbed "shaky cam" and used by filmmakers like Paul Greengrass to denote a certain kind of urbane grit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain grit" when you want to highlight a specific, often admirable, quality of resilience or determination that is present in a person, situation, or artistic work.

Common error

While "a certain grit" is acceptable in various contexts, be mindful of its register. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "remarkable resilience" or "unwavering determination" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain grit" functions as a noun phrase, often used attributively to describe a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness. It typically modifies another noun, adding a descriptive layer related to resilience or determination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain grit" is a phrase used to describe a specific quality of resilience, determination, or toughness. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English, though less common than other similar phrases. While grammatically sound, its register leans towards neutral to slightly informal. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts and should be used when you want to highlight that unique, admirable quality. When greater formality is needed, you should use alternatives like "remarkable resilience" or "unwavering determination".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular tenacity

Emphasizes persistence and determination; focuses on not giving up easily.

a specific resolve

Highlights a firm decision or intention to achieve something.

a determined spirit

Focuses on the mental strength and resolve of a person.

an unwavering fortitude

Stresses the steadfastness and courage in facing adversity.

a resilient character

Highlights the ability to bounce back from difficulties and adapt well.

a tough-minded approach

Implies practicality, realism, and firmness in dealing with challenges.

an indomitable will

Focuses on the unyielding and unbeatable strength of will.

a steadfast resolve

Highlights consistency and unwavering commitment to a goal.

a courageous attitude

Stresses bravery and willingness to face challenges and risks.

a hardy disposition

Focuses on the ability to endure difficult conditions or situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain grit" to describe someone's determination, the atmosphere of a place, or even a characteristic of a performance. For example: "The old neighborhood had "a certain grit" that the new developments lacked."

What are some synonyms for "a certain grit"?

Alternatives to "a certain grit" include "a particular tenacity", "a specific resolve", or "a determined spirit". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a certain grit" formal or informal?

The phrase "a certain grit" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "unwavering fortitude" or "remarkable resilience" in academic or highly professional writing.

What does it mean when something is described as having "a certain grit"?

When something has "a certain grit", it possesses a quality of toughness, resilience, or determination that makes it stand out. It suggests an ability to withstand challenges and maintain its character in difficult circumstances.