a certain quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain quantity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a way of referring to an unspecific amount of something, such as in the sentence "She bought a certain quantity of apples at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first part stipulates that all states receive a certain quantity regardless of their population or risk status.

The New York Times

"The continual cracking of your feet on the road makes a certain quantity of road come up into you" (The Third Policeman).

The Guardian - Books

But when you're putting together an institution of a certain type of manners and morals, it makes sense to go in for a certain quantity of homogeneity.

The New Yorker

She represents "a real human being with a heart, with feelings, with sympathies and with emotions only as a bank-note represents a certain quantity of gold".

The New York Times - Books

When the mineral does not contain much barium, a certain quantity of barium salt is added in order to carry away the radium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A futures contract is an agreement to deliver or receive a certain quantity of a commodity at an agreed price at some stated time in the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Towns typically meet these kinds of obligations by hinging their approval of new developments on the applicants' promises either to bankroll or build a certain quantity of "affordable" housing.

The New York Times

He had already agreed with the Tenerife jewellers that they would purchase a certain quantity from him in return for exclusive deals and, once he had wooed wholesalers in Belgium and India, his business quickly grew.

The Guardian - Money

The classic form of this is the stock warrant, which is an option to buy a certain quantity of the corporation's stock at a stated price within a stated time.

The New Yorker

Other games, like Tetris, are built on a sense of mounting difficulty; they conjure it by limiting you to a certain quantity of space, which you must constantly clear of debris.

The New Yorker

It is not enough to know that bank X has a certain quantity of Greek debt on its books, nor even how many credit default swaps it is holding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "a certain quantity" when a more precise term is readily available, as overuse can make your writing vague.

Common error

Don't rely on "a certain quantity" as a crutch for avoiding specificity. If the precise amount is knowable and relevant, provide it for clarity. For example, instead of writing "The recipe calls for a certain quantity of flour", specify "The recipe calls for 2 cups of flour".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain quantity" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an unspecified amount. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically sound and common in diverse contexts. Examples in Ludwig show its use across scientific reports, news articles, and encyclopedic entries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain quantity" is a versatile phrase used to denote an unspecified amount. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It functions as a determiner phrase with a neutral register, suitable for various contexts, including scientific, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the lack of specificity is intentional and adds value to your communication. Consider alternatives like "a specific amount" or "a particular volume" depending on the desired nuance. Remember that while "a certain quantity" is widely accepted, clarity is key, and specifying the amount when possible will always enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific amount

Replaces "quantity" with "amount", implying a more precise though still unspecified value.

a particular volume

Substitutes "quantity" with "volume", emphasizing a measurement of space occupied.

a given measure

Replaces "certain quantity" with a more formal "given measure", often used in technical contexts.

a defined portion

Implies that the quantity is pre-determined or set, adding a sense of intentionality.

a set quota

Suggests an officially assigned amount, often in production or sales.

a fixed share

Emphasizes the predetermined nature of the quantity, particularly in distribution scenarios.

a designated amount

Highlights that the quantity has been specifically chosen or assigned.

a determined volume

Similar to 'a particular volume' but emphasizes the act of determination or calculation.

a specified quantity

Adds a level of detail or precision beyond 'a certain quantity'.

an unspecific number

Shifts the focus from quantity to a numerical count, while maintaining the ambiguity.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain quantity" when you want to refer to an unspecified amount of something, as in "The experiment requires "a certain quantity" of the chemical compound".

What can I say instead of "a certain quantity"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific amount", "a particular volume", or "a given measure" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain quantity"?

While "a certain quantity" is grammatically correct, providing a specific amount when possible improves clarity. Use "a certain quantity" only when the exact amount is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally vague.

What's the difference between "a certain quantity" and "a considerable quantity"?

"A certain quantity" simply indicates an unspecified amount. "A considerable quantity" implies that the amount is substantial or significant.