a certain power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but unspecified power or ability in various contexts, such as literature, discussions about influence, or technical descriptions. Example: "In the story, the protagonist discovers a certain power within herself that allows her to overcome great challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it had a certain power.

The New Yorker

I had a certain power over him.

The Guardian - Books

"There is a certain power in agenda-setting".

The Guardian

No, but with it comes a certain power.

The Guardian - Music

And Rock Me Tonite still has a certain power.

The Guardian - Music

The quieter Biennale, which runs until Nov. 22, had a certain power.

The New York Times - Arts

But the Ahmeds do hold a certain power, as the gatekeepers of a very specific world.

The New Yorker

The group sections radiate a certain power, yet such empty athleticism also wears thin.

The New York Times - Arts

He happened to know that a certain power was in the market for the shoes.

The New Yorker

"There is a certain power statement that says: 'We can laugh at this.

The New York Times - Arts

As artists we're inside the system, and it gives us a certain power".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain power" when you want to refer to a specific type of power without explicitly naming it. This can add a sense of mystery or intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain power" too frequently in formal academic papers or business reports, as it can sound vague. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain power" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "power". It is used to denote an unspecified but particular form of influence, ability, or control. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this, showing the phrase used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain power" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to denote a specific yet unnamed form of influence, ability, or control. Its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, though it's important to be mindful of the level of precision required for different writing styles. While versatile, it's advised to use more explicit language in formal settings where vagueness should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific influence

Replaces "power" with "influence" emphasizing the capacity to affect someone or something.

a particular authority

Substitutes "power" with "authority", highlighting legitimate influence.

a definite capacity

Uses "capacity" instead of "power", suggesting a potential or ability to do something.

a notable strength

Replaces "power" with "strength", indicating the ability to withstand force or pressure.

a marked control

Emphasizes the aspect of control or command someone or something possesses.

a degree of leverage

Highlights the use of influence to achieve a desired outcome.

a level of impact

Focuses on the effect or consequence exerted by something.

a form of dominance

Suggests superiority or control over others.

some amount of sway

Indicates influence or persuasive power.

a means of coercion

Implies the use of force or threats to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain power" to describe influence, ability, or control, especially when you want to keep the specific nature of that power unspecified. For example: "The artifact seemed to radiate "a certain power".".

What are some alternatives to "a certain power"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "specific influence", "particular authority", or "definite capacity".

Is it appropriate to use "a certain power" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "a certain power" might be considered too vague for academic writing. Consider using more precise terms that specify the type of power you are referring to for clarity.

What's the difference between "a certain power" and "some power"?

"A certain power" implies a specific, though unnamed, ability or influence. "Some power" suggests an unspecified quantity or degree of power, without necessarily implying specificity.