certain income

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain income" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type or category of income that is not precisely defined but is understood in context. Example: "The tax regulations apply to certain income derived from freelance work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Up to certain income limits, you can have both an employer-sponsored retirement plan and an IRA.

Forbes

The state typically charges $28 for an ID, but people who meet certain income requirements pay only $8.

Los Angeles Times

Today, many branches of the welfare system in the U.S. provide people living below a certain income level with in-kind benefits.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Does it include everybody, everybody above a certain income?

The Guardian

People below a certain income are exempt from this responsibility.

The New York Times

Anyone earning above a certain income will be required to contribute to the NHI Fund.

The Guardian

But some states do not allow charitable deductions above a certain income, or at all.

The New York Times

Of course, this is exactly the way the tax code works now: tax rates rise at certain income thresholds, meaning that when you get to a certain income level, the government takes more of every dollar you earn.

The New Yorker

The state provides subsidized and free health care for people at certain income levels, creating a large risk pool.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The negative income tax is a way to provide people below a certain income level with money.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My theory is: at a certain income level, sex becomes easier to obtain.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "certain income", ensure the context clarifies what makes the income 'certain'. Be specific elsewhere in your writing to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the income bracket or the source of the income.

Common error

Avoid using "certain income" without providing any clarifying details. Overusing vague terms weakens your argument and may confuse readers. Instead, provide specific income ranges or sources to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain income" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's often used to describe income that meets specific, though not necessarily explicitly defined, criteria.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain income" is a frequently used phrase that refers to income meeting specific, often contextual, criteria. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific details about the income, as vague usage can lead to confusion. Alternatives like "specified income" or "qualifying income" can offer greater precision in particular contexts. Ultimately, while "certain income" is widely accepted, careful usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific income

Indicates a particular type of income, differing from "certain income" by emphasizing the defined nature of the income.

particular income

Highlights a specific instance or kind of income, which is slightly more targeted than "certain income".

defined income

Emphasizes that the income is clearly stated and known, a contrast to the less precise "certain income".

specified income

Suggests that the income has been officially designated or listed, implying a formal declaration.

designated income

Implies that the income has been set aside for a specific purpose, adding a layer of intention not present in "certain income".

stipulated income

Conveys that the income is a condition or term of an agreement, introducing a contractual element.

a set income

Implies a fixed or predetermined amount of income, unlike the potentially variable "certain income".

a guaranteed income

Suggests a secure and reliable source of income, adding an element of assurance not explicit in "certain income".

predictable income

Focuses on the reliability of income, in contrast to "certain income" which may not necessarily be stable.

ascertainable income

Implies that the income can be definitely determined or calculated, a more definitive stance than "certain income".

FAQs

How is "certain income" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "certain income" often refers to income types that are subject to specific regulations or taxes. The exact definition depends on the jurisdiction and specific laws in question. For example, it may be used in tax codes or eligibility requirements for government assistance programs.

What are common examples of when eligibility depends on having "certain income"?

Eligibility for programs like Medicaid, subsidized housing, and certain tax credits often depends on meeting "income requirements". These programs specify maximum or minimum income levels to qualify.

What can I say instead of "certain income" to be more precise?

To be more precise, you can use phrases like "specified income", "defined income", or "qualifying income", depending on the context. These alternatives offer greater clarity regarding the income's characteristics.

How does "certain income" differ from "fixed income"?

"Certain income" refers to income meeting specific criteria or conditions, while "fixed income" describes income that remains constant over a period, such as from bonds or annuities. The key difference lies in the stability versus the conditional nature of the income.