a certain sense of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain sense of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a specific feeling or perception that is somewhat vague or not fully defined. Example: "After the meeting, I left with a certain sense of unease about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a certain sense of sadness here".

The New York Times

There was a certain sense of cohesion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Service life, he recalled, provided a "certain sense of dignity".

The Economist

But it did lack a certain sense of mystery.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's a certain sense of sadness," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

A certain sense of selflessness is required in such ensembles.

The New York Times

I do have a certain sense of personal involvement.

Independent

With that implication came a certain sense of wonder.

Harvard Business Review

I have a certain sense of being an outsider.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He has a certain sense of Indian integrity.

The New York Times

DEB SUGAR: Smoking offers me a certain sense of peace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain sense of" to introduce a feeling or perception that is not precisely defined but still present. For instance, "There was a certain sense of anticipation in the air before the concert."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a certain sense of" when more specific language would provide clarity. Instead of "a certain sense of unease", consider "a feeling of anxiety" or "a sense of apprehension".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain sense of" functions as a qualifier that introduces a feeling, perception, or quality that is not precisely defined. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a feeling or perception that is somewhat vague or not fully defined. This allows for nuanced expression without requiring complete specificity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain sense of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce feelings, perceptions, or qualities that are present but not clearly defined. It's grammatically correct and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While it's suitable for various contexts, being specific when possible can enhance clarity. The phrase is common in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When you aim to describe a feeling that is somewhat vague, "a certain sense of" provides a nuanced way to express it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific feeling of

Replaces "certain sense" with "specific feeling", indicating a well-defined emotion.

a distinct feeling of

Replaces "certain sense" with "distinct feeling", emphasizing a clear and noticeable emotion.

a particular awareness of

Substitutes "sense" with "awareness", highlighting a specific consciousness or understanding.

a palpable feeling of

Replaces "certain sense" with "palpable feeling", suggesting an emotion that is easily sensed or felt.

a definite impression of

Substitutes "sense" with "impression", highlighting a clear and distinct perception.

a noticeable degree of

Uses "noticeable degree" instead of "certain sense", focusing on a perceptible level or extent.

a subtle awareness of

Suggests a delicate or understated consciousness of something.

a vague feeling of

Indicates an emotion or sensation that is not clearly defined or distinct.

a general impression of

Refers to an overall feeling or perception that is not necessarily based on specific details.

a personal understanding of

Implies a subjective or individual comprehension of a situation or concept.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain sense of" to describe a feeling or perception that is present but not entirely defined, such as "There was a certain sense of anticipation before the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "a certain sense of"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinct feeling of", "a particular awareness of", or "a specific feeling of" depending on the context.

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

While "a certain sense of" is useful for conveying a vague feeling, being more specific (e.g., using "a feeling of hope" instead of "a certain sense of optimism") can provide clarity and impact.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain sense of"?

It's appropriate when you want to express an emotion or perception that exists but isn't easily or precisely defined. For example, "There was a certain sense of mystery surrounding the old house".