a certain pride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain pride" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a specific, often understated, feeling of pride in a particular context or situation. Example: "She walked into the room with a certain pride, knowing she had accomplished something significant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has a certain pride".

The New Yorker

Most people take a certain pride in their own opinions.

The New York Times

I think we took a certain pride in our ambiguity.

The New Yorker

"It's a certain pride that we have, a silver pride".

The New York Times

He also took a certain pride and pleasure in carrying off his risky job.

The New Yorker

At first I felt a certain pride and confidence in my powers.

The New York Times

But he also cited a certain pride that came with getting something no one else can.

The New York Times

Designers admit to a certain pride that they are being copied.

The Economist

The new celebration of kabaddi takes a certain pride in its Indianness.

The Economist

There is a certain pride of place that comes with age, too.

The New York Times

One character describes Juárez with a certain pride as "the capital of death".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain pride" to subtly convey a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction, especially when aiming for understatement rather than overt boasting.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain pride" excessively, as it can become repetitive and weaken your writing. Vary your language by using more direct expressions of pride or satisfaction when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"A certain pride" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment. Ludwig shows it's often used to convey a subtle or understated sense of pride in something achieved or possessed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain pride" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a specific feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in news and media, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives such as "a degree of pride" or "a hint of pride" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, aim for understatement and avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of pride

Indicates a limited or moderate amount of pride.

some measure of pride

Suggests a quantifiable but unspecified amount of pride.

a hint of pride

Implies a subtle or understated expression of pride.

a touch of pride

Similar to 'a hint of pride', suggesting a slight indication of pride.

a feeling of satisfaction

Focuses on the contentment derived from an achievement rather than overt pride.

a sense of accomplishment

Highlights the achievement itself rather than the emotion of pride.

a quiet satisfaction

Emphasizes the subdued nature of the pride.

a justified pride

Indicates that the pride is well-deserved or warranted.

an understandable pride

Suggests that the pride is reasonable given the circumstances.

a legitimate pride

Similar to 'justified pride', implying that the pride is valid and appropriate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain pride" to describe a feeling of satisfaction or accomplishment. For example, "She looked at her finished painting with "a certain pride"."

What are some alternatives to "a certain pride"?

Alternatives include "a degree of pride", "some measure of pride", or "a hint of pride", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a certain pride"?

Yes, "a certain pride" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a specific, often understated, feeling of pride.

What's the difference between "a certain pride" and "pride"?

"A certain pride" implies a specific or limited amount of pride, whereas "pride" generally refers to a broader or more intense feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.