with certain ease

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with certain ease" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the manner in which something is done, indicating that it is done without difficulty or with a level of comfort. Example: "She completed the complex puzzle with certain ease, impressing everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Earlier studies did show that not only testis-biased, but also somatic male-biased genes are underrepresented on the X [ 42], but the possible role of these genes in sexual selection could still be invoked with certain ease owing to their sex bias.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here he creates a work the dancers can perform with a certain ease, but that doesn't make up for his ambiguous artistic voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Farina's ability to straddle both sides of the law on screen came with a certain ease.

Los Angeles Times

There's a certain ease with him".

The New York Times

From her dance days, she retains "a certain ease with my body, a lack of embarrassment, that has been very helpful.

The Guardian - Film

Likewise, the target value may have to be eased in patients with certain comorbidities (or certain comedications); such comorbidities may be chronic infections, renal or hepatic functional impairment, congestive heart failure and others.

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

On these forums, people speak with ease about their experiences with certain sites on the topic in a bigger sense.

WikiHow

He plays a character, but captures with certain physical details and vocal mannerisms the essence of this ill-at-ease man.

Huffington Post

A court in March eased his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave South Africa to compete as long as he complied with certain conditions.

BBC

Match them with certain outfits.

WikiHow

said: "The Bank of England seems all but certain to ease policy, with only the scale and form of easing in question".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with certain ease" to subtly emphasize a level of skill or natural aptitude. It is more nuanced than simply saying something was "easy".

Common error

While acceptable, "with certain ease" can sound slightly verbose in very formal contexts. Consider using a simpler adverb like "easily" or restructuring the sentence for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with certain ease" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests the action is done without significant effort or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with certain ease" is a prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is performed. It suggests the action is carried out without significant difficulty, often implying a degree of skill or natural ability. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability, though its frequency is considered uncommon. While suitable for a range of contexts, it's essential to consider the tone and audience, opting for simpler alternatives like "easily" in more formal settings. Remember that while the phrase is accepted in general, its impact resides on implying the action being carried out does not require a big effort. Ludwig provides examples from news media, science and wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with relative ease

Indicates a task is accomplished with less difficulty than expected; emphasizes a comparative lack of effort.

with considerable ease

Highlights the substantial lack of difficulty in performing an action.

with remarkable ease

Emphasizes how surprisingly easy something is to accomplish.

with noticeable ease

Suggests that the easiness is apparent and can be observed by others.

with comfortable ease

Implies a relaxed and unstrained manner in performing an action.

with assured ease

Suggests a confident and effortless execution.

with effortless grace

Adds an element of elegance and smoothness to the ease of performance.

without difficulty

A more straightforward and general way to express a lack of challenge.

smoothly

Adverb that describes an action done without problems or interruptions.

easily

A general adverb indicating little effort is required.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "with certain ease" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "with considerable ease" or "without difficulty" for a more formal tone. The specific choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "with certain ease" the same as saying "easily"?

While similar, "with certain ease" suggests a degree of skill or natural ability that allows something to be done without struggle. "Easily" is a more general term and doesn't necessarily imply any particular skill. Therefore, depending on context, alternatives can be used such as "smoothly".

Can I use "with certain ease" to describe a negative situation?

Yes, although it's more commonly used in positive contexts, you can use it sarcastically or ironically in negative situations. For example, "He managed to alienate everyone at the party with certain ease."

What's a more emphatic alternative to "with certain ease"?

Phrases like "with remarkable ease" or "with effortless grace" amplify the sense of easiness, suggesting an impressive or even surprising lack of difficulty.