with a certain amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a certain amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific, but not precisely defined, quantity or degree of something. Example: "The project requires a certain amount of funding to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Verdasco is playing with a certain amount of freedom again.

The Guardian - Sport

In New York, some traders greeted Justice Newman's ruling with a certain amount of derision.

The New York Times

I'm blessed with a certain amount of amnesia and I really don't remember what went down.

The Guardian - Music

Burnham's success has also come with a certain amount of attention from female fans.

The Guardian

Fulfilling enjoyment can only be obtained with a certain amount of discomfort and sparseness".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We tend to tread with a certain amount of humor and quirk.

The New York Times

"We've learned to live with a certain amount of metal mesh," Mr. Tworkowski sighed.

The New York Times

It was and still will be viewed with a certain amount of Anglican smugness.

The Guardian - Books

Every June when the list is released, it is met with a certain amount of criticism.

The New York Times - Arts

Understandably then, the film's re-release comes with a certain amount of baggage in tow.

The Guardian - Film

I left the cinema depressed and with a certain amount of hatred boiling up inside.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with a certain amount of", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the approximate magnitude being described. Avoid vagueness that could lead to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "with a certain amount of", as it can make your writing sound vague and uninspired. Use specific quantities or more descriptive language when possible to add clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a certain amount of" functions as a prepositional modifier, typically used to qualify a noun or noun phrase. It introduces an element of approximation or generality, indicating a quantity or degree that is not precisely defined. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a certain amount of" serves as a versatile prepositional modifier used to denote a quantity or degree that isn't precisely specified. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in different types of writing. While it is particularly common in news and media, as well as science, it's crucial to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "to some degree" or "in some measure" can enhance the variety and precision of expression, and it is best to use other alternatives when the context and tone of writing allows for such. Consider all these findings to best leverage the functionalities and purpose of "with a certain amount of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to some degree

Emphasizes the extent to which something is true or present, rather than specifying a quantity.

to a certain extent

Highlights a limitation or qualification of a statement, implying a partial truth.

in some measure

Suggests a particular impact or quality, but without giving a precise measurement.

within limits

Implies constraints or restrictions.

up to a point

Indicates that something is true or effective only to a particular level.

in moderation

Specifically used for activities or consumption, it means to do or have something within reasonable limits.

somewhat

A simple adverb indicating a moderate degree.

partially

Indicates that something is true only in part.

relatively

Indicates a comparison to something else, rather than an absolute quantity.

subject to limitations

Clearly expresses that something has restrictions or constraints, suggesting a specific, albeit undefined, boundary.

FAQs

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

Use "with a certain amount of" to indicate a quantity or degree that is not precisely defined. For example, "The recipe calls for "a certain amount of spice" to achieve the desired flavor."

What are some alternatives to "with a certain amount of"?

Alternatives include "to some degree", "to a certain extent", or "in some measure", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "with a certain amount of"?

Specificity is generally preferred for clarity. However, "with a certain amount of" is useful when precision isn't necessary, or when exact figures are unknown or irrelevant. Overly precise details when writing a document intended for the general public can confuse a reader.

When is it appropriate to use "with a certain amount of" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when acknowledging uncertainty or variability is important. For example, in scientific research, you may state that "the experiment produced results "with a certain amount of error"", rather than claiming absolute accuracy.