a certain importance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain importance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something holds a specific level of significance or value, often in a somewhat vague or general sense. Example: "The project has a certain importance in the context of our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The material of which major cult objects are composed is often explicitly defined and assumes a certain importance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But from the moment those Boer horsemen crossed the border, journalists too would have a certain importance in the history of human conflict.

The Guardian - Books

Hence it does have a certain importance that you choose a penis that actually looks realistic and is in-line with the colour of your skin".

The Guardian

A NEW Broadway production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," like the one scheduled to open on Jan . 17 will always ring with a certain importance in the theater world, but for me it brings on an additional spell of nostalgia.

The New York Times

In his ethical teachings, famous because of the assaults of the Stoic philosophers, Theophrastus reiterated Aristotle's notion of a plurality of virtues with their relative vices and acknowledged a certain importance to external goods, which the Stoics held were mere luxuries for human life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To call a thing objective implies that it has a certain importance to us and that we approve of it.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Mr. Clinton would also be forced to preside over a ceremony with less certain importance than he might prefer.

The New York Times

Innovative options such as imiquimod 5% cream, photodynamic therapy, or botulinum toxin A may also be of certain importance; however, the data currently available is too contradictory for definite recommendations.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

They also may find at the journal website the statistics of accesses that gives some impression about the size of "non-citing" readership, which is ignored by bibliographic indicators, but which is of certain importance for a journal that publish articles on policy relevant aspects of global carbon cycle.

Carbon Balance and Management

And there's a certain self-importance in saying that the importance of the message is to grasp that we are not important.

The Guardian - Books

He has also a wide experience in problems where lead isotopes have been of certain importance, and of testing and running various models of mass spectrometers.

Heritage Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain importance" when you want to indicate that something has value or significance without being overly specific. It suggests a moderate level of importance that is noticeable but not necessarily critical.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain importance" when the situation warrants a stronger expression, such as "critical importance" or "paramount significance". Using a milder phrase can weaken your message if the context demands a more forceful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain importance" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something possesses a degree of significance or value. It's used to attribute importance in a somewhat vague or general sense, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain importance" is grammatically correct and serves to indicate that something holds a specific level of significance or value, albeit in a somewhat general sense. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While not overwhelmingly frequent, its presence in academic, news, and scientific sources suggests a degree of formality and reliability. Alternatives like "a particular importance" or "some significance" may be suitable depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, remember to consider the context and whether a stronger expression of importance is more appropriate. Ultimately, "a certain importance" is a useful tool for conveying significance without overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular importance

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing specificity.

a definite importance

Substitutes "certain" with "definite", suggesting a clear and distinct significance.

a notable importance

Replaces "certain" with "notable", highlighting the quality of being worthy of attention.

a marked importance

Uses "marked" instead of "certain", emphasizing the distinctiveness of the importance.

a significant importance

Replaces "certain" with "significant", indicating substantial relevance.

a considerable importance

Uses "considerable" to indicate a large or noteworthy degree of importance.

a degree of importance

Expresses the concept as having a specific level or measure of importance, rather than a vague "certain" amount.

some importance

Simplifies the phrase to "some", indicating an unspecified but present level of importance.

a level of importance

Emphasizes the positioning of importance on a scale or hierarchy.

a kind of importance

Indicates a specific type or nature of importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain importance" to express that something possesses a noticeable level of significance or value. For example, "Historical context lends "a certain importance" to the artifacts found at the site."

What's the difference between "a certain importance" and "a significant importance"?

"A certain importance" suggests a moderate, unspecified level of significance, while "a significant importance" implies a more substantial and noteworthy level of relevance or impact.

What are some alternatives to "a certain importance"?

Alternatives to "a certain importance" include "a particular importance", "some significance", or "a degree of importance", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a certain importance" in formal or informal writing?

"A certain importance" can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it is more commonly found in formal contexts where a precise quantification of importance is not necessary or intended.