certain quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific characteristic or attribute of something that is being discussed or evaluated. Example: "The product is known for its certain quality that sets it apart from competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Pink Floyd demanded a certain quality of sound.

The New York Times

"Earlier technology had a certain quality, a certain texture.

The New York Times

Portal thinks some fighters lack a certain "quality of movements".

The Guardian - Sport

"Obviously, we don't want to go below a certain quality.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a certain quality about that," Guyett commented.

Independent

Information has a certain quality indicator that fades over time.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), there is a certain quality in Fascism which is quite close to the certain quality in nationalism.

The New Yorker

Definition of the word "Fascist". Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), there is a certain quality in Fascism which is quite close to the certain quality in nationalism.

The New Yorker

Even for an infidel like me, it has a certain quality.

The Guardian - Music

I maintained a certain quality in my work that almost gave me a licence to misbehave.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And there is even a quality control team who check that the posts meet a certain 'quality' threshold.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain quality" when you want to indicate a specific but not necessarily named or fully defined attribute. For instance, instead of stating that a product has 'high quality', you can suggest it possesses a "certain quality" that makes it stand out.

Common error

Avoid using "certain quality" as a placeholder when you can be more specific. Instead of saying 'The film has a "certain quality"' try to identify the specific characteristic you are referring to, such as 'The film has a captivating atmosphere'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain quality" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It signifies that something possesses a particular characteristic or attribute that is recognized but not necessarily fully defined or specified. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain quality" is a versatile phrase used to describe a recognized but not explicitly defined attribute. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, science, and encyclopedia articles. When writing, aim for specificity when possible, avoiding overuse in vague situations. Alternatives such as "specific attribute" or "particular characteristic" can provide more precision. Remember to use "certain quality" when you want to imply a particular trait without fully naming it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific attribute

Focuses on a particular characteristic rather than a general sense of quality.

particular characteristic

Emphasizes a distinct feature or trait.

distinctive feature

Highlights a unique aspect that sets something apart.

unique property

Stresses the singularity and inherent nature of the quality.

defining trait

Indicates a characteristic that is essential to the identity of something.

notable aspect

Suggests that the quality is worthy of attention or recognition.

identifiable feature

Implies that the quality is easily recognizable or discernible.

special attribute

Conveys that the quality is exceptional or uncommon.

intrinsic value

Highlights the inherent worth or importance of the quality.

innate characteristic

Focuses on the inborn or natural quality of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "certain quality" is used to refer to a specific, though perhaps not explicitly defined, attribute or characteristic. For example, "The music had a "certain quality" that made it instantly recognizable."

What are some alternatives to using "certain quality"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "specific attribute", "particular characteristic", or "distinctive feature".

Is it better to use "specific quality" or "certain quality"?

"Certain quality" implies a known but not necessarily defined attribute, while "specific quality" suggests a clearly defined and identified attribute. The better choice depends on whether you want to highlight vagueness or precision.

What does it mean when something is described as having a "certain quality"?

When something is described as having a "certain quality", it suggests that it possesses a notable, often positive, characteristic that is recognizable but not explicitly stated. It implies a subjective assessment of value or appeal.