in a certain context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a certain context" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular set of facts or conditions relevant to a situation. For example, "I can understand why you would feel that way in a certain context."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The general rule of insults is that they will be accepted from a certain friend in a certain context.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ear will do that for people, subconsciously; when they hear a whole tone in a certain context it sounds French.

The New York Times

But a distinction can be made between commands that were given in a certain context, and those which hold good for all time.

The Economist

You'd get this pissy with a black woman if she mentioned in a certain context that you are a white woman?

Independent

On Wednesday, Mr. Gilani said those statements had been made in a certain context and no longer pertained to the army chief and the ISI director general.

The New York Times

"Most people feel like the N-word, when used in a certain context, and even Negro, is being called out of your name," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A discussion, in contrast, enables negotiation within a certain context.

TechCrunch

Through the cohesive chains, both identity and similarity, the plot is continuous, with the strings of events and characters under a certain context, in narrative texts.

Functional Linguistics

If we expect people to act with integrity in a certain professional context, then our judgment of them should be based on an understanding of this context: its special duties, obligations, rights, competencies, and so on.

SEP

Slang, then, includes not just words but words used in a special way in a certain social context.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometimes a particular reaction, when placed in a certain environmental context, may even affect existing paradigms.

Geochemical Transactions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a certain context", clearly define the context you are referring to, ensuring the reader understands the specific conditions or circumstances that are relevant to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in a certain context" without specifying what that context is. Without clear context, your statement becomes ambiguous and lacks specific meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a certain context" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or noun. As evidenced by Ludwig, it specifies the conditions or circumstances under which a statement is valid or an action is appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Based on the analysis, the phrase "in a certain context" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. It serves to specify conditions or limitations, and it's used across various domains, from scientific research to news reporting. The frequency of use is high, especially in science and news media. When writing, remember to clarify the context you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "under specific conditions" or "depending on the situation" can be used to diversify your language while maintaining similar meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately use "in a certain context" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under specific conditions

Focuses on the precise requirements that need to be met.

depending on the situation

Highlights the situational variance influencing the outcome.

given the circumstances

Emphasizes the surrounding factors that play a role.

in particular circumstances

Stresses the uniqueness of the scenario.

conditional on the setting

Highlights that the setting is a determinant.

subject to the environment

Focuses on the external influences affecting the subject.

contingent on the backdrop

Highlights that the backdrop is determining the event.

within a defined framework

Implies constraints and parameters are in place.

relative to the scenario

Highlights the relative nature of consideration.

based on the case

Implies the evaluation is dependent on the characteristics of the case.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a certain context" to indicate that a statement or action is only true or appropriate under particular conditions. For example, "Lying is wrong, but "in a certain context", it might be justifiable."

What phrases are similar to "in a certain context"?

Similar phrases include "under specific conditions", "depending on the situation", or "given the circumstances". All of these phrases convey the idea that something is true or applicable only under particular conditions.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "in a certain context"?

Whenever possible, being specific is preferable to using "in a certain context". Providing clear details about the situation or conditions makes your writing more precise and easier to understand. However, sometimes using "in a certain context" is useful when details are already known or implied.

How does the meaning of "in a certain context" differ from "generally"?

"In a certain context" means something is true only under particular conditions, while "generally" means something is true in most cases but not necessarily all. They have opposite meanings, so using them interchangeably would be incorrect.