it has a certain ring to it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has a certain ring to it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something sounds appealing, catchy, or has a pleasant quality to it. Example: "The title of the book, 'Whispers of the Past,' has a certain ring to it that draws me in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It has a certain ring to it.

The New York Times - Food

Dillon and Cuffy - it has a certain ring to it - have a long way to go to emulate predecessors Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, but they have both impressed during this series.

The Guardian

'King Sonny Bill' - it has a certain ring to it.

BBC

It has a certain ring to it, no?

Huffington Post

We are super excited for our Yogabed wonder-slab (it has a certain ring to it) to live in a happy place with you albeit a day early (are you testing me?) but I think we can handle that.

Huffington Post

It has a certain ring to it, I guess: "The Ku Klux Klan: No longer killing black people, okay?" So far, the effort to rebrand themselves has mainly revealed itself in a KKK counter-protest of the Westboro Baptist Church -- which basically proves that nearly everyone in the world opposes the Westboro Baptist Church.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Fifty grand from 50 Grand: It had a certain ring to it.

The New York Times

That has a certain ring to it.

The New York Times - Sports

Barry's Berm has a certain ring to it.

The Guardian

"Scrumdog Millionaire" has a certain ring to it..

The Guardian - Sport

Especially in the Anglo-Saxon collector's market, where his name has a certain ring to it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has a certain ring to it" to express a subjective positive impression of something, particularly its name, title, or a concept. For example, "'Quantum Entanglement' – it has a certain ring to it, doesn't it?"

Common error

While generally acceptable, the phrase "it has a certain ring to it" is informal and may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. Opt for a more precise and professional alternative, such as "it sounds promising" or "it is particularly fitting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has a certain ring to it" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey that something sounds appealing, memorable, or appropriate. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses a subjective positive impression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

General Usage

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has a certain ring to it" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that conveys a subjective positive impression, indicating that something sounds appealing or memorable. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it is considered informal and may not be suitable for highly formal writing. Alternatives like "it sounds appealing" or "it resonates well" can be used in more formal settings. The phrase's positive connotation makes it useful for expressing approval or appreciation of a concept, name, or title.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds appealing

Focuses on the pleasing quality of the sound or idea.

it has a pleasing sound

Emphasizes the agreeable auditory quality.

it resonates well

Highlights the positive emotional or intellectual connection.

it strikes a chord

Implies that something evokes a strong emotional response.

it feels right

Indicates a sense of appropriateness or suitability.

it has a catchy quality

Focuses on the memorable and attention-grabbing aspect.

it seems fitting

Suggests that something is particularly appropriate or suitable.

it has a certain charm

Emphasizes an attractive or pleasing quality.

it sounds good

A simple and direct way to express approval.

it has a memorable quality

Focuses on the quality of being easily remembered.

FAQs

How can I use "it has a certain ring to it" in a sentence?

You can use "it has a certain ring to it" to express that something sounds appealing, catchy, or has a pleasant quality. For example, "The name 'Serenity Falls' "it has a certain ring to it"".

What are some alternatives to "it has a certain ring to it"?

You can use alternatives like "it sounds appealing", "it resonates well", or "it feels right" depending on the context.

Is "it has a certain ring to it" formal or informal?

"It has a certain ring to it" is generally considered informal. While acceptable in casual conversation and some types of writing, it might not be suitable for highly formal or academic contexts.

What does "it has a certain ring to it" imply?

The phrase implies that something sounds pleasing, memorable, or appropriate. It often conveys a subjective positive impression about the sound or quality of something, such as a name or idea.