certain baggage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain baggage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific emotional or psychological issues that someone carries with them, often from past experiences. Example: "She has certain baggage from her childhood that affects her relationships today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With it comes certain baggage.

The New York Times

Still, lifts carry a certain baggage of alienation.

The Guardian

I was shedding a certain baggage of my parents, my tastes were different".

The New York Times - Arts

(The Glass team, part of Google's experimental labs, also doesn't like terms like "augmented reality" or "wearable computer," which both have certain baggage).

The New York Times

"I will continue to support Ron Paul and his son, Sen. Rand Paul, because it is the right thing to do," Johnson said, adding that "in many respects it is 'unrequited love.' Ron Paul has said that he does not want the support of white nationalists because 'it muddies the waters.' This is true, because our support brings with it certain baggage that Dr. Paul does not want.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She carried a certain amount of baggage.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Hubbard also brings to this job a certain amount of baggage.

The New York Times

Understandably then, the film's re-release comes with a certain amount of baggage in tow.

The Guardian - Film

He also carries a certain amount of baggage, in the form of a haunting (and somewhat confusing) origin story.

The New York Times

Don't worry, Mr. Gieryn assured him; after all, how could he be certain that the baggage handlers hadn't removed his suitcase?

The New York Times - Arts

Given America's continued neuroses about race, an outspoken black first lady might prove to be even more divisive than an outspoken white one.Mrs Obama is carrying a certain amount of baggage of her own though not as much as Mrs Clinton.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain baggage", ensure the context makes clear what the baggage refers to. Vague references can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying on "certain baggage" too frequently. Overuse can make your writing sound unoriginal. Consider more specific terms like "past trauma" or "unresolved issues" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain baggage" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "baggage". It often implies underlying issues or complications associated with a person, situation, or concept. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain baggage" is a phrase used to indicate that something or someone comes with underlying issues or complications. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Although relatively infrequent in usage, the phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts. When using "certain baggage", it's important to ensure that the context clearly defines what the baggage refers to, and to avoid overuse to maintain writing originality. Consider alternatives such as "past issues" or "inherent challenges" for greater specificity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific drawbacks

Replaces "certain baggage" with a focus on identifiable negative aspects.

particular liabilities

Emphasizes the responsibility or burden associated with the subject.

associated challenges

Focuses on difficulties linked to a specific situation or person.

related difficulties

Focuses on the hardships connected to something.

inherent complications

Highlights the complexity and potential problems that naturally exist.

accompanying downsides

Highlights negative aspects that are predictably linked.

attendant problems

Emphasizes issues that typically accompany the main subject.

predictable disadvantages

Stresses foreseeable unfavorable aspects.

known limitations

Highlights acknowledged restrictions or shortcomings.

unavoidable consequences

Focuses on the results that cannot be prevented.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain baggage" to refer to past experiences or issues that influence someone's behavior or a situation's development. For example: "The project comes with "certain baggage" due to previous management failures."

What are some alternatives to "certain baggage"?

Alternatives include "past issues", "unresolved problems", or "inherent challenges", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "emotional baggage" or "certain baggage"?

While "emotional baggage" is more specific to personal feelings and experiences, "certain baggage" can be used in broader contexts, including projects or situations. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your writing.

Does "certain baggage" always have a negative connotation?

Yes, "certain baggage" typically implies negative or problematic aspects associated with something or someone. It suggests there are underlying issues that need to be considered or addressed.