a certain obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific but not explicitly defined obsession that someone has. Example: "Her dedication to collecting rare stamps has turned into a certain obsession that consumes her free time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I hate to use the word 'muse,' but I have a certain obsession with Piggy.

The New Yorker

But with a little patience and a certain obsession, you could make a movie, frame by frame, of the city you most want to see using only the photos the city has already released.

The New York Times

Also implied are consumer excess and a certain obsession with sweets, which in turn conjures up the hollow celebrations of birthdays and holidays that are among our cultural staples.

The New York Times - Arts

One of three brothers born to a rabbi dad and a pharmacist mom, Mr. Salem said he discovered at a young age that he had a certain hypersensitivity that manifested itself in a certain obsession with patterns and empathy to people's emotions.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a certain obsession surrounding the wealth of professional athletes, and since we aren't above that obsession, we thought we'd do some research into the highest paid professional athlete from each state.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

We all have a certain repetition obsession about patterns that helped determine our lives.

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes advantage of a certain pathological obsession over this election and this person as president.

The New York Times

Guevara had certain obsessions and values, she recalls.

The Guardian

"Maybe we do have certain obsessions we can't escape no matter what we do".

The Guardian - Arts

And what would happen if you get another shot?" If true crime entertainments capture a certain vein of obsession these days, that's because they present a miscarriage of justice like Syed's life sentence, and the intellectual allure comes from trying to figure out the mystery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Just like a certain Oscars selfie, obsession quickly turns to ubiquity and parody – and finally ambivalence: "The Kenzo tiger sweatshirt is a good example of a recent fad.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain obsession" when you want to indicate a specific but not necessarily named or fully defined strong interest or preoccupation. It allows you to hint at the nature of the obsession without detailing it explicitly.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain obsession" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the obsession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain obsession" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it follows standard grammar rules. It denotes a particular, though potentially unspecified, strong interest or preoccupation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain obsession" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a specific, though not always explicitly defined, strong interest or preoccupation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, making it suitable for a range of contexts. This phrase allows writers to hint at the nature of an obsession without fully revealing it, adding a touch of intrigue or coyness to their writing. When using this phrase, remember to vary your language and avoid overuse to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular fixation

Emphasizes a specific and focused interest, similar to an obsession but potentially less intense.

a specific preoccupation

Highlights a dominating concern, akin to an obsession, but often related to worry or focus.

a definite preoccupation

Indicates a clear and noticeable focus, sharing the characteristic of something drawing attention.

a consuming interest

Implies a strong interest that takes up a significant amount of time and energy, bordering on obsession.

an unhealthy fixation

Suggests a negative or problematic focus, highlighting the potentially detrimental aspect of an obsession.

a compulsive fascination

Combines the elements of compulsion and strong attraction, portraying a driven interest that is hard to resist.

a marked infatuation

Emphasizes a strong but potentially short-lived passion or admiration, differing from an obsession in its duration.

a powerful compulsion

Focuses on the irresistible urge or drive behind an action or thought, sharing the intensity associated with obsession.

an ingrained habit

Highlights a deeply rooted pattern of behavior, which, while not necessarily an obsession, shares the characteristic of being difficult to break.

a strong inclination

Indicates a tendency or preference towards something, being a milder, non-compulsive version of an obsession.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain obsession" to describe a particular, though perhaps unspecified, interest or preoccupation. For instance, "He developed a certain obsession with collecting vintage watches."

What are some alternatives to "a certain obsession"?

Alternatives include "a particular fixation", "a specific preoccupation", or "a consuming interest" depending on the context.

Is "a certain obsession" formal or informal?

"A certain obsession" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of the specific context and audience when choosing your words.

What is the difference between "a certain obsession" and "an obsession"?

"A certain obsession" implies a specific instance of obsession that may not be fully elaborated upon, while "an obsession" refers to the general state of being obsessed. "A certain obsession" allows for a level of detachment or coyness about the subject of the obsession.