a certain opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but unspecified opportunity that may be relevant or significant in a given context. Example: "After much consideration, I decided to pursue a certain opportunity that could advance my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"People had given him a certain opportunity to re-earn the trust," he said.

The New York Times

Generally, human beings have such an important function in the order of the world that they also have a certain opportunity to manipulate this order, at least to a certain extent for instance, by sacrifice or other ritual acts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While there was a certain opportunity he definitely let go of, it takes a lot more than one time before you feel like that's actually a weakness of a certain player.

The New York Times - Sports

The analysis suggests that NZEB is feasible in Chinese cities and there is a certain opportunity to achieve zero carbon emission in China's urban area, but there are some limitations and barriers.

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

Sometimes we connect a motive with a certain opportunity and...wham...magic!... there you go.

Huffington Post

You can get your Sims back by using a certain opportunity or have their ghost eat ambrosia.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

PizzaExpress chairman Nigel Colne said the board had recommended Venice's offer because it provided shareholders with "an immediate and certain opportunity to realise their investment in cash at a significant premium to recent values".

The Guardian - Business

Five minutes from time Dan Fish's cross-kick looked to have provided them with a certain scoring opportunity only for an accidental offside to kill the attack with the try-line beckoning.

BBC

According to some, a declining population presents certain opportunities: to increase efficiency and livability, to change lifestyle and environment for the better.

The New York Times - Magazine

So a lot of different things happen in a place that have to do with socioeconomic forces around it and that's carried by the people in these places or the way that people fill up space or find certain opportunities in a space or in a place that is shaped by the other forces.

The New York Times

I'm not trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, but when certain opportunities come my way it would be foolish to turn them down.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain opportunity" when you want to refer to a specific, but not necessarily detailed, chance or possibility. It implies a degree of specificity without explicitly defining the opportunity.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a certain opportunity" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language that specifies the opportunity's nature or scope to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain opportunity" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it denotes a specific but undefined chance or possibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain opportunity" is grammatically correct and used to refer to a specific, yet undefined, possibility. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, although more precise language might be preferred in formal settings. Common alternatives include "a particular opportunity" or "a specific opportunity". While not extremely frequent, the phrase is understandable and usable in many everyday and professional scenarios. Its neutral register makes it versatile across different communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular opportunity

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing specificity but maintaining ambiguity.

a specific opportunity

Substitutes "certain" with "specific", highlighting the defined nature of the opportunity.

a unique opportunity

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and rarity of the opportunity.

a distinct possibility

Shifts the focus from a chance to a likelihood, while keeping the unspecified nature.

a promising avenue

Changes "opportunity" to "avenue", suggesting a direction with potential.

a potential opening

Replaces "opportunity" with "opening", indicating a gap or space that could be exploited.

a given chance

Uses "chance" instead of "opportunity", focusing on the element of fortuity.

a strategic advantage

Implies the opportunity offers a competitive edge.

a definite prospect

Uses prospect instead of opportunity, highlighting that something is expected in the future

a golden opportunity

Highlights how exceptional and beneficial the opportunity is.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain opportunity" to refer to a specific but unspecified chance. For example, "She was given "a certain opportunity" to prove her skills during the project."

What phrases are similar to "a certain opportunity"?

Alternatives include "a particular opportunity", "a specific opportunity", or "a unique opportunity", depending on the nuances you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain opportunity"?

It's appropriate when you want to hint at a specific possibility without revealing details, creating intrigue or maintaining confidentiality.

Is "a certain opportunity" formal or informal?

"A certain opportunity" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, but consider more precise language in highly formal writing.