a certain relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain relation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but not explicitly defined relationship between two or more entities. Example: "In the study, we found a certain relation between exercise frequency and mental health improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Each stone encapsulates a certain relation of landscape, building, machine, power and nature.

The New York Times - Books

Moreover, it is found that the particle dispersion has a certain relation with the turbulent kinetic energy generated on the interface of the two gas streams.

Surface and Coatings Technology

There was a certain relation between the water activity (aW) of the IL/H2O mixtures and the current density of BOD.

Catalysis Today

We apply polynomial techniques to investigate the structure of spherical designs in an asymptotic process with fixed odd strength while the dimension and odd cardinality tend to infinity in a certain relation.

Discrete Mathematics

(In these markets the preference lists which agents submit are observable, but the matching algorithm may give agents incentives to submit lists that do not faithfully reflect their preferences). The assumptions made here, although not terribly strong, nevertheless assume that hospitals have preferences over groups of students that bear a certain relation to preferences over individual students.

Stanford University

When John expects the stock market to fall, he stands in a certain relation to the proposition or sentence-meaning "the stock market will fall"; and when Mary wants to be a doctor, she stands in a different relation to the proposition or sentence-meaning "Mary will be a doctor".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

These relations have their terminal specification and their reason in punishment (which can be a fine, the refusal of communion in confession, the imposition of a certain relations between working forces and leading forces, etc.).

Columbia University

Just as deductive logic consists of the study of a certain consequence relation between propositions or sets of propositions (the relation of valid implication), so defeasible (or nonmonotonic) logic consists of the study of a different kind of consequence relation.

SEP

This migration focus has the effect of reproducing a certain power relation between majority-national citizens and minority-ethnic citizens or immigrants, a relation that fails to create bridges between these two sets of people.

Comparative Migration Studies

As the gradual degradation with same failure mechanism has some regularity in macro, there would be certain relation between an arbitrary point of the degradation process and the correspondent RUL.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Sometimes there is widespread agreement that a certain supervenience relation holds, but dispute over what its modal force is.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain relation", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the relationship without being overly vague. If possible, specify the relation further to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain relation" when a more precise term can be used. Overuse can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your writing. If the specifics of the relation are known, state them directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain relation" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, indicating that there is a connection or relationship between two or more entities. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to philosophical discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

25%

News & Media

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain relation" is a useful phrase for indicating a connection or link between two or more things without being overly specific. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more precise term would enhance clarity in your writing. By being mindful of the context and aiming for specificity when possible, you can effectively use "a certain relation" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific connection

Emphasizes a particular link, making it less vague.

a particular association

Highlights the link between two or more things but is more specific.

a defined correlation

Suggests a mutual relationship or connection, where one thing affects or depends on another.

a notable connection

Indicates that the connection is worthy of attention or easily observed.

a relevant link

Stresses that the connection is important or appropriate to the matter at hand.

an established relationship

Implies that the connection is recognized, accepted, or well-known.

a demonstrable link

Suggests that the connection can be shown or proven.

a clear dependency

Emphasizes that one thing relies on another.

a functional link

Highlights that the connection has a practical purpose.

an inherent interconnectedness

Implies a natural or essential connection.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain relation" to indicate a connection or link between two or more things when the specifics of that connection are either implied, not fully known, or not immediately relevant to the discussion. For example, "There is a certain relation between diet and overall health".

What are some alternatives to "a certain relation"?

Alternatives include "specific connection", "particular association", or "relevant link" depending on the intended nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain relation" instead of a more specific term?

It's appropriate when the exact nature of the relationship isn't crucial to the point you're making, or when you want to avoid being overly specific. However, aim for clarity; if the specific relationship is known, stating it directly is usually better.

Is "a certain relation" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider whether a more precise term would be more appropriate.