a certain quantity of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain quantity of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate an unspecified or specific but not exact amount or number of something. Example: "The recipe calls for a certain quantity of sugar, but you can adjust it to your preferred level of sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the aspirants must grow comfortable with a certain quantity of awkward pretense.

The New Yorker

Such a formula is composed of a certain quantity of optimized functions and weights.

Expert Systems with Applications

The bimodal microstructure consists of nanometer grains and a certain quantity of micrometer grains distributed in the lamella.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

"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

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

Britannica

The contract between the artist and the publishing house allowed the publisher to publish a certain quantity of reproductions, cards and other paper products.

Harvard University

In this case the first positive plate receives a certain quantity of electricity from the negative plate through the acid, which is transmits to the next plate (negative).

Princeton University

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

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

Knowledge acquisition and capitalization to solve problems concerning artefact evolution, still called inventive design, has a certain quantity of specific characteristics.

Computers in Industry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for technical audience and you have an estimation/range in mind, consider to provide it between parenthesis/brackets right after "a certain quantity of", for example: "a certain quantity of" [between 200-300 units]

Common error

Avoid using "a certain quantity of" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing seem vague and less informative. Consider using more specific quantifiers or providing estimates when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain quantity of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an unspecified amount. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It specifies that there is some amount, but the exact amount is not defined or known.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain quantity of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate an unspecified amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in scientific, news, and academic sources. While similar phrases like "a specific amount of" or "an unspecified amount of" can be used, "a certain quantity of" offers a balance between formality and vagueness. To enhance your writing, use it thoughtfully and avoid overuse, considering more specific quantifiers when precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific amount of

Specifies that the quantity is defined, though not necessarily known to the listener.

a particular amount of

Emphasizes that the quantity is distinct and identifiable.

a given amount of

Indicates the quantity is predetermined or already established.

a definite amount of

Highlights that the quantity is precisely determined, although the exact value may not be stated.

an unspecified amount of

Emphasizes that the quantity is not precisely defined or known.

some amount of

A more general term, indicating an indefinite quantity.

a measurable amount of

Highlights that the quantity is capable of being measured.

a portion of

Implies the quantity is part of a larger whole.

an allowance of

Suggests a limited or permitted quantity.

a measure of

Highlights that the quantity is determined by some standard measurement.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain quantity of" to refer to an amount that is not precisely defined or known. For example, "The recipe requires "a certain quantity of sugar", but you can adjust it to taste."

What phrases are similar to "a certain quantity of"?

Similar phrases include "a specific amount of", "a particular amount of", or "an unspecified amount of", depending on the context.

Is "a certain quantity of" formal or informal?

"A certain quantity of" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, providing a balance between precision and generality. Consider the specific context to determine whether a more precise term is necessary.

When should I avoid using "a certain quantity of"?

Avoid using "a certain quantity of" when precision is crucial. In scientific reports or financial documents, providing exact figures is usually more appropriate. If you're writing recipes, it is more advisable to state quantities in grams and units, unless your goal is to allow the user to add "a certain quality of" something that is not really measurable.