a certain individualism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain individualism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific type or degree of individualism in a context where you want to emphasize its particularity or uniqueness. Example: "In her artwork, there is a certain individualism that sets her apart from her contemporaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Because we live in the mountains, there is a certain individualism," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The variety reflects a certain rugged individualism that's part and parcel of the way of life in the Keys, which have a sun-splashed beauty that often belies a rough-around-the-edges, weatherbeaten quality.

The New York Times - Travel

"Their idea of democracy is limited, in a certain sense, to individualism".

The New York Times

Resourcefulness, individualism, a certain allergy to authority – all these are said to be Walser traits.

BBC

Watney: Strident demands for PrEP as a limited, let alone a universal, goal strike me as typical of a certain type of selfish individualism which is hardly limited to the United States.

Huffington Post

In a society that reveres rugged individualism, self-employment has always had a certain allure.

The New York Times

The writer describes how the grammar of a Hemingway sentence dictated a certain way of looking at the world, a way of looking but not joining, a kind of romantic individualism.

The New Yorker

To a certain extent.

The New York Times

A certain earnestness.

The New York Times - Books

A certain pattern emerged.

The New York Times - Magazine

— a certain pleasure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain individualism" when you want to emphasize a specific flavor or manifestation of individualism, rather than individualism in general. For instance, describing the political leanings of a group might involve mentioning "a certain individualism" related to self-reliance.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain individualism" when simply referring to general individualism. Using the phrase implies a specific subset or characteristic, so ensure your context supports that level of detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain individualism" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a particular kind or quality of individualism. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it characterizing behavior, cultural traits, or philosophical views.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain individualism" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specify a particular type or degree of individualism. Ludwig's AI confirms this. Although its frequency is rare, its appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian suggests its proper usage in descriptive and analytical contexts. The phrase is often used in news, wiki and encyclopedia contexts, highlighting specific cultural traits or philosophical views. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the specific characteristics of individualism you're referring to, as opposed to general individualism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular individuality

Substitutes "individualism" with "individuality", offering a slightly different nuance but maintaining the core concept of unique personal characteristics.

a unique individualism

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the individualism being described.

a specific type of individualism

Replaces "certain" with "specific", providing a more direct indication of a defined category of individualism.

a defined individualism

Highlights the clear boundaries and characteristics of the individualism in question.

a notable individualism

Focuses on the remarkableness or prominence of the individualism.

a marked individualism

Emphasizes the noticeable or easily observed nature of the individualism.

a distinct individualism

Highlights the separateness and clarity of the individualism.

a recognizable individualism

Suggests that the individualism has identifiable characteristics.

a peculiar individualism

Indicates that the individualism is unusual or strange.

a singular individualism

Emphasizes the unique and unmatched quality of the individualism.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a certain individualism" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a certain individualism", ensure the context specifies which particular aspects of individualism you are referring to. It's best used to describe a specific type or expression of individualism within a larger group or culture.

What are some alternatives to "a certain individualism"?

Alternatives include "a particular individualism", "a unique individualism", or "a distinct individualism", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain individualism" versus just "individualism"?

Use "a certain individualism" when you are highlighting a specific kind or degree of individualism. If you are talking about individualism in a general sense, use simply "individualism".

Is "a certain individualism" considered formal or informal language?

"A certain individualism" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in analytical or descriptive writing where precision is valued. Ludwig's AI confirms that "a certain individualism" is correct and usable in written English.