certain outlay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain outlay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific expenditure or cost that is being discussed or considered. Example: "The project requires a certain outlay for materials and labor to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Backbone plants require a certain outlay, but Argyropoulos takes the long-term approach - his impressive cordylines cost just £2.99 from B&Q five years ago - and smaller plants usually do better in the long run.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What I realized sometime in July of 2005 was this: for a certain outlay of capital — the outlay I had in mind was twenty-five or thirty dollars — I could, in Paley fashion, just show up in Nova Scotia in the spring without packing or trying to remember if there were already shirts in the bureau.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But they added that the ruling would almost certainly cause some workers to file objections to certain union outlays because of the financial incentive of paying lower agency fees.

The New York Times

A similar requirement in the US and other rich, connected countries, guaranteeing a certain level of outlay for the establishment of remote networks, would produce a very substantial sum of earmarked money.

TechCrunch

As stated by Stalsberg et al. [ 56] the observed SES moderating effect could be explained by varying ability to deal with the financial outlay that certain activities require (e.g. sport material, membership fees).

BMC Public Health

Given his assumption that cutbacks of CO2 emissions are done by the least cost methods and his bias, we can be certain that in the real world outlays to slow warming would be considerably higher.

Stanford University

What is certain is that the size of the outlay caught BIS off guard and the impact has already been felt by students at established universities.

The Guardian

If Republicans manage to cut federal spending significantly between now and Election Day while state outlays continue to shrink, the certain result is continued high unemployment and anemic growth.

University of California, Berkeley

"People may want to plan ahead — take the standard deduction one year and itemize the next year," he said, bunching outlays like charitable gifts and certain miscellaneous itemized deductions in the years they itemize.

The New York Times

Certain priority payments are due from the $400,000 cash outlay being made by Kobel.

The New York Times

By January, 1797, the purchase and maintenance of a treaty with Algiers obligated the United States to the amount of almost a million dollars.71 So lavish, indeed, had been the outlay in ransoms, presents, and other forms of tribute that certain European powers became greatly alarmed.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain outlay" when you want to emphasize that a specific and known amount of money is required for something, especially in contexts where financial precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "outlay" interchangeably with broader terms like "expense" or "cost" when you need to stress the specific and upfront nature of the expenditure. "Outlay" implies a more deliberate and planned financial allocation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain outlay" functions as a noun phrase where "certain" modifies "outlay". The phrase describes a specific or known expense. Ludwig examples show usage in contexts involving financial requirements and planned expenditures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain outlay" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that refers to a specific and known expenditure. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable in various contexts, though more frequently in news, academic, and business domains. While not exceptionally common, it effectively conveys a deliberate financial allocation, differentiating itself from general terms like "expense". Consider alternatives like "specific expense" or "particular expenditure" to refine your writing, and be mindful of the subtle difference in connotation. Remember, this phrase works best when you need to emphasize the precise financial commitment involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific expense

Replaces "outlay" with a more common synonym, maintaining the specificity of the cost.

particular expenditure

Substitutes both words with synonyms that emphasize the distinct nature of the expense.

defined cost

Uses "defined" to highlight the precise and established nature of the cost.

fixed investment

Implies a predetermined amount spent with the expectation of future returns.

set amount

Focuses on the idea of a pre-established sum of money allocated for a purpose.

known expenditure

Emphasizes that the expense is already identified and accounted for.

exact payment

Highlights the precise monetary transfer involved.

predetermined investment

Similar to 'fixed investment' but emphasizes prior planning.

given expense

Suggests the expense is an accepted or unavoidable fact.

stated fee

Focuses on an official or explicitly communicated charge.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain outlay" to refer to a specific expense or investment, as in, "The project requires a /s/specific+expense for materials and labor." In this context, "certain outlay" highlights a known and necessary financial commitment.

What are some alternatives to "certain outlay"?

Some alternatives include "/s/specific+expense", "/s/particular+expenditure", or "/s/defined+cost". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "certain outlay" or "specific cost"?

Both "certain outlay" and "specific cost" are acceptable, but "certain outlay" often implies a more significant or predetermined financial commitment. Consider your audience and the context to choose the most appropriate term.

What does "certain outlay" emphasize that "expense" doesn't?

"Certain outlay" emphasizes a known and often significant upfront investment or expenditure. "Expense" is a more general term, while "certain outlay" highlights a deliberate allocation of funds for a specific purpose.