use a certain amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'use a certain amount' is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means to use some specific quantity or amount of something. For example, "I need to use a certain amount of sugar when baking this cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Even though dedicated courtesy of the satellite operation enables us to use a certain amount of telemetry budget as much as possible, the duration of the S-WPIA measurement is intermittent with short duration for every orbit, since the size of electromagnetic waveform and individual particle count data is large.

Earth, Planets and Space

Australian farmers have the right to use a certain amount of water free.

The Economist

stands for the indefeasible right to use a certain amount of bandwidth on a communications company's network.

The New York Times

Those crowded schedules and demanding lives mean that often the professional gardener can use a certain amount of latitude in plant choice and installation.

The New York Times

Those crowded schedules and demanding lives mean that often the professional gardener can use a certain amount of latitude when it comes to plant choice and installation.

The New York Times

Among other changes, foreign companies will no longer be required to use a certain amount of local materials or components in the products they make in China.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We show that Bayesian statistical experimental design is a very useful approach to determine the optimal probe size using a certain amount of prior knowledge about the sample.

Ultramicroscopy

Widely used by big brands in the chocolate and coffee industries, this system would allow the big players to commit to using a certain amount of Fairtrade gold in their supply chain and make up the rest with non-Fairtrade.

The Guardian

You may have noticed that "unlimited" data plans usually come with an asterisk – the speed at which you get the data slows to a crawl after you have used a certain amount of data.

The New York Times

T-Mobile said it would offer a 4G unlimited data plan that has no cap or throttling, which is when carriers slow down the speed that data is sent once a person has used a certain amount.

The New York Times

Eyedea Presse said its problems were compounded by a provision of French labor law that requires agencies take on photographers full-time after using a certain amount of their work, a serious competitive disadvantage when the competition overseas employs a much greater percentage of freelancers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "use a certain amount", ensure the context clarifies why the amount is specific or limited. This provides clearer understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "use a certain amount" without providing context or a reference point. Saying "use a certain amount" without specifying what influences that amount can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use a certain amount" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of employing or consuming a specific quantity of something. It implies a degree of specificity without necessarily stating the exact quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use a certain amount" is a versatile expression used to indicate employing a specific quantity of something, without necessarily specifying the exact measure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts like news, science, and general instructions. The key is to ensure clarity in your writing by providing sufficient context so your audience understands what influences that 'certain amount'. While alternatives like "employ a specific quantity" or "consume a fixed quantity" exist, "use a certain amount" remains a flexible and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ a specific quantity

Focuses on the act of employing a measured quantity of something.

utilize a defined portion

Emphasizes the utilization of a specific part or share of a whole.

consume a fixed quantity

Highlights the consumption of a predetermined amount.

allocate a particular share

Stresses the allocation of a specific portion to a certain use.

exercise a measured degree

Focuses on using a specific level or intensity of something like force or influence.

expend a precise volume

Emphasizes the expenditure of a carefully measured volume.

apply a set quantity

Highlights the application of a predetermined amount.

draw upon a limited supply

Focuses on using a portion of a finite resource.

administer a controlled dose

Implies the measured administration of something, often in a medical context.

impart a specific measure

Emphasizes giving or providing a particular amount of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "use a certain amount" to indicate that a specific, though perhaps unspecified, quantity is required or permitted. For example, "You need to "use a certain amount" of caution when handling this equipment."

What are some alternatives to "use a certain amount"?

Depending on the context, you could replace "use a certain amount" with phrases like "employ a specific quantity", "utilize a defined portion", or "consume a fixed quantity".

Is it better to be specific about the amount instead of saying "use a certain amount"?

In many cases, being specific is preferable for clarity. However, "use a certain amount" is appropriate when the exact quantity is variable, unknown, or dependent on other factors. If the amount is precise, state it directly.

What does it imply when someone says to "use a certain amount"?

It usually implies that there is a recommended or required quantity, but the exact figure might not be known or easily stated. It could also mean the amount is conditional, as in, "Use a certain amount of water, depending on the dryness of the soil."