certain dimensions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain dimensions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific measurements or aspects of an object, concept, or situation that are not explicitly defined. Example: "The design of the new building must adhere to certain dimensions to ensure structural integrity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain dimensions of diversity, for example, gender, resonate.

Yale University

Certain dimensions of the long-range Embraer jets will be similar to the Airbus A320's, though.

The New York Times

Some cities rank at the top in certain dimensions, yet don't meet acceptable minimums in the full set of dimensions.

The Guardian

For instance, the building's architect might want to confirm certain dimensions, waterproofing plans or plumbing fixture specifications.

The New York Times

So somehow, the human spirit is very empathetic and sympathetic in certain dimensions, but not so in others.

Yale University

"The emergence of a new Chinese élite is China's second moment of encounter with these global processes, and it's interesting how certain dimensions are reversed".

The New Yorker

Still, certain dimensions in the space, it turned out, did seem to represent legible human categories, like gender or relative size.

The New York Times - Magazine

The voting boxes are required to be of certain dimensions and closed, the only aperture being a small slit at the top.

Britannica

Behavioural tests have already been developed to measure certain dimensions of a horse's temperament (fearfulness, gregariousness, etc).

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

We find that certain dimensions of female autonomy are indeed important for contraception use in the Egyptian context, while there is no clear relationship for other dimensions.

Princeton University

Surface energy requirements show that, at any degree of supersaturation, nuclei of certain dimensions are stable and can represent sites for further growth, as shown in Figure 3C.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain dimensions", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what kind of dimensions are being referred to, even if the exact measurements or aspects are not specified.

Common error

Avoid using "certain dimensions" in contexts where more specific terminology is readily available or where the vagueness obscures the meaning. Be precise when possible to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain dimensions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner specifying that the dimensions are specific but not explicitly stated. It's used to acknowledge particular aspects without providing precise details, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain dimensions" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to denote specific but unspecified aspects across various contexts, including academia, news, and science. While its usage is generally neutral and widely accepted, it's important to ensure sufficient contextual clarity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "specific aspects" or "particular features" can provide more precision when needed. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic institutions underscores its reliability and versatility in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific aspects

This alternative focuses on the specificity of the aspects being referred to.

particular features

Highlights the distinct characteristics or attributes.

specific parameters

Implies measurable or definable aspects within a system or model.

defined extents

Emphasizes the boundaries or scope being considered.

distinct facets

Refers to different angles or viewpoints.

precise aspects

Focuses on the accuracy and clarity of the aspects.

select attributes

Highlights the chosen qualities or characteristics.

some characteristics

A broader term, indicating unspecified traits.

specific traits

Focuses on the unique qualities.

certain specifications

This alternative emphasizes the detailed requirements or criteria.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain dimensions" to refer to specific but unspecified aspects of something, such as "The project needs to meet "certain dimensions" to be considered a success".

What are some alternatives to "certain dimensions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "specific aspects", "particular features", or "specific parameters".

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

In many cases, being specific is preferable for clarity. However, "certain dimensions" can be useful when you want to acknowledge specific aspects without detailing them, either for brevity or because the details are not yet known.

How does the meaning of "certain dimensions" change across different fields?

The meaning remains consistent, referring to unspecified aspects or measurements. However, the specific type of dimension will vary. For example, in physics, it might refer to spatial dimensions, while in sociology, it might refer to aspects of social identity.