at certain aspects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at certain aspects" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to refer to specific features or elements of a subject, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The report focuses on at certain aspects of the project, but it lacks depth in analysis."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Other companies are already aiming at certain aspects of bacterial behavior.

The New York Times

Some architectural purists might sneer at certain aspects of the renovation.

The New York Times

But television hasn't avoided prodding at certain aspects of Christian life.

The New York Times - Arts

But it's important that we look at certain aspects of this performance because in general, you expect to take something from a game if you score 22 points on the road.

Independent

More to the point, adds Becky Miles from DairyCo – a not-for-profit organisation working on behalf of Britain's dairy farmers – women are better at certain aspects of the job.

Independent

Like many cycling fans, who have become accustomed to arguing in fine detail about science and medicine, Vaughters has become so expert at certain aspects of physiology affected by doping products that he can sound more like a graduate student in biology than a cyclist at times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Others suggested that the government might seek to take the lead in at least certain aspects of the cleanup, like the technologically challenging ice wall.

The New York Times

Dennett (1986), and Cummins and Schwartz (1987) also point out the potential of connectionism in the elimination of at least certain aspects of folk psychology.

SEP

Therefore, being able to genetically engineer mouse models that mimic CLL or at least certain aspects of the disease will help us understand disease mechanisms and improve treatments.

Seminars in Hematology

ID still held that life, or at least certain aspects of it, were the result of a purposeful action of an intelligent agent and that this action could be detected by scientific study.

Basics in Human Evolution

Second, many of us believe that future people should have a life that is well above the level of well-being specified by a threshold notion of harm.[41] This, in part, reflects a third concern many have: Future people should be able to share (at least certain aspects of) the particular way of life of currently living people.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, consider using alternatives like "regarding specific aspects" or "concerning certain features" instead of "at certain aspects".

Common error

Avoid using "at" before "certain aspects". This preposition is less common and often sounds awkward in this context. Opt for prepositions like "regarding", "concerning", or "in relation to" for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at certain aspects" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun by specifying a particular focus. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is not standard written English and may sound awkward, suggesting alternatives for clearer communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at certain aspects" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect and suggests that it's not standard written English. The phrase aims to narrow the scope of a discussion, focusing on specific features, however, alternative phrases like "regarding specific aspects" or "concerning certain features" are grammatically preferable and provide greater clarity. Given the availability of better alternatives, it's advisable to avoid using "at certain aspects" in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning specific features

Replaces 'aspects' with 'features', emphasizing identifiable characteristics.

regarding particular elements

Focuses on the 'elements' rather than 'aspects', suggesting a more granular focus.

considering particular characteristics

Highlights the "characteristics", emphasizing identifiable attributes.

focusing on specific details

Emphasizes particular 'details' implying that elements are part of a bigger picture.

examining specific attributes

Uses "attributes" instead of "aspects", highlighting the properties or qualities of something.

regarding individual traits

Shift the focus toward individual characteristics.

with respect to particular facets

Uses 'facets' to indicate a side or angle of something, adding a dimension of perspective.

concentrating on selected items

Emphasizes the selection of individual 'items' or points.

in relation to selected components

Highlights the 'components' suggesting that a 'whole' is examined through its parts.

addressing certain elements

Replace preposition "at" with "addressing" making it more active.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the expression "at certain aspects" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives such as "regarding specific aspects", "concerning certain features", or "in relation to particular facets". These options often provide greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

Which prepositions are more suitable to use with "certain aspects"?

Prepositions like "regarding", "concerning", or "in relation to" are typically more appropriate and create clearer sentences than using the preposition "at" with "certain aspects".

Is there a difference in formality between "regarding certain aspects" and "at certain aspects"?

Using "regarding certain aspects" is generally more formal and grammatically correct. The phrase "at certain aspects" is less common and may sound awkward or incorrect in formal writing. Therefore, using "regarding certain aspects" is recommended in formal contexts.

What are some common grammatical errors to avoid when discussing "certain aspects"?

A frequent error is using the preposition "at". It's better to say "regarding", "concerning", or "in relation to certain aspects". For example, instead of saying "The study looks at certain aspects of the problem", try "The study examines specific elements of the problem" for improved grammatical correctness.