certain hardships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain hardships" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific difficulties or challenges that someone may face in a situation. Example: "Despite facing certain hardships during the project, the team managed to deliver outstanding results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Such steps spared civilians certain hardships and risks that accompanied previous Western air-to-ground operations.

The New York Times

Going out of season involves certain hardships, but you pay less and practically have the place to yourself.

The Guardian - Travel

You can do so from the comfort of your own home, but you may have to face certain hardships, like getting by with only one refrigerator and junking the halogen torchier.

The New York Times

There are certain hardships that the children of Public School 89 have come to endure patiently: squeezing into borrowed classrooms with up to 55 students; not being able to use the cafeteria or playground at the school temporarily housing them; doing homework and having play dates in hotel rooms instead of the Battery Park City apartments in which many have lived since birth.

The New York Times

It just goes to show that despite certain hardships and bumps in the road, founders' passion for their ideas can help sustain a startup in the most trying situations.

TechCrunch

We use this formula to "get it" on a gut level -- there but for whatever grace go I -- and we are, after all, a society founded on puritan values and the idea that hard work and kindness and good intentions are enough to inoculate us against certain hardships.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The stakes are incomparably higher for students in smaller towns and rural areas, for whom a good score can mean the difference between a life with open horizons -- including the prized right to live and work in a big city -- and a life of near-certain hardship.

The New York Times

For certain, the hardships resonate with me: the never-ending spewing of snot and puke; sleepless nights; potty-training and binky-weaning.

Huffington Post

The city of Detroit is no stranger to a certain amount of hardship.

Vice

There was a certain romance to the hardships and the hustle of the job — getting up to open at 5 30 a.m., spilling scalding water on my hands, chasing a dream.

The New York Times

One thing is certain: They make the hardships nonprofits currently face in Illinois look inexcusable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain hardships", ensure the context clarifies the nature of these hardships. Being specific helps the reader understand the challenges involved, enhancing clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "certain hardships" as a vague placeholder for unspecified issues. Always provide enough detail or context to give the reader a clear sense of the specific difficulties being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain hardships" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "hardships". It is commonly used to refer to difficulties or adversities that are known or specified but not necessarily detailed. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain hardships" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to reference specific, though not necessarily detailed, difficulties or adversities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, and is generally considered to have a neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide sufficient context to clarify the specific challenges being referenced, avoiding vague or overly general usage. Alternatives like "specific difficulties" or "particular challenges" can be used to express similar ideas with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific difficulties

Replaces "hardships" with "difficulties", specifying that they are particular instances.

particular challenges

Substitutes "hardships" with "challenges", indicating difficulties that require effort to overcome.

definite struggles

Emphasizes effort and resistance through the use of the word "struggles".

unavoidable adversities

Focuses on the unavoidable nature of the difficulties.

inescapable trials

Highlights the testing nature of the hardships.

distinct disadvantages

Shifts the focus to elements that place someone in an unfavorable position.

known privations

Emphasizes a lack of basic necessities or comforts.

acknowledged tribulations

Highlights experiences of suffering or distress.

predetermined sufferings

Indicates that the hardships were destined or decided in advance.

designated ordeals

Focuses on hardships that serve as a severe test or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain hardships" to refer to particular difficulties or challenges faced in a specific situation. For example, "Despite facing certain hardships during the project, the team persevered".

What are some alternatives to using "certain hardships"?

Alternatives include "specific difficulties", "particular challenges", or "definite struggles" depending on the context.

Is "certain hardships" formal or informal language?

"Certain hardships" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What is the difference between "certain hardships" and "general hardships"?

"Certain hardships" implies that you are referring to specific, known difficulties, whereas "general hardships" refers to hardships in a broad, unspecified sense.