In certain respects
Hedging expression to soften claims
Wörtlich: Inside specific aspects or viewpoints
Use this phrase to show you are being thoughtful and considering multiple sides of an issue.
In 15 Sekunden
- A tool to limit your claims to specific parts.
- Helps you avoid sounding too aggressive or absolute.
- Perfect for professional or academic 'polite' disagreements.
Bedeutung
Use this when you want to say that something is true in some ways, but not in every way. It helps you avoid making a statement that sounds too extreme or 100% absolute.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Reviewing a new restaurant with a friend
In certain respects, the food was amazing, but the service was slow.
In some ways the food was great, but the service was slow.
A formal performance review at work
In certain respects, your project was a success, though we missed the deadline.
Your project succeeded in some areas, but we were late.
Discussing a controversial movie
In certain respects, the sequel is actually better than the original.
In some specific ways, the second movie is better.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase is a classic example of 'hedging' in English discourse, a strategy used to minimize the risk of being wrong or sounding arrogant. It is deeply rooted in the Western academic tradition of nuanced debate, where absolute certainty is often viewed with skepticism. In British English specifically, it is a staple of polite disagreement.
The 'But' Trap
Usually, when someone starts a sentence with this phrase, they are about to say something negative. Be ready for the 'but'!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or can't make up your mind.
In 15 Sekunden
- A tool to limit your claims to specific parts.
- Helps you avoid sounding too aggressive or absolute.
- Perfect for professional or academic 'polite' disagreements.
What It Means
In certain respects is like a safety net for your opinions. It tells people, "I'm not saying this is always true." You use it to point out specific parts of a bigger picture. It is the opposite of saying "always" or "totally." Think of it as looking at a painting through a small window. You only see one part at a time. It helps you stay precise and honest.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start or end of your sentence. It works like a modifier. If you say, "The movie was good," you sound sure. If you say, "In certain respects, the movie was good," you imply something else sucked. Maybe the acting was great, but the plot was a mess. It allows you to be a critic without being a hater. You can also drop it in the middle for a fancy pause.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to be diplomatic or careful.
- In a job interview when discussing a past failure.
- At a dinner party when you disagree with a loud friend.
- While writing an essay or a work report.
- When your partner asks if you like their weird new lamp.
It shows you have a nuanced mind. You aren't just reacting; you are analyzing.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple facts. If someone asks if it is raining, don't say, "In certain respects, yes." That makes you sound like a robot or a politician. Avoid it in emergencies too. "In certain respects, the kitchen is on fire" will just get you yelled at. It is too slow and thoughtful for high-energy moments. Also, don't use it if you want to be 100% supportive. It usually introduces a "but."
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love "hedging." We often avoid being too direct to stay polite. This phrase comes from a culture of debate and academic caution. It reflects a value for seeing multiple sides of an issue. It became popular because it sounds intellectual and balanced. It’s the linguistic version of wearing glasses to look smarter.
Common Variations
In some respects(slightly more casual)In many respects(when you agree more than you disagree)In every respect(when you actually mean 100%)In this respect(focusing on just one specific point)
Nutzungshinweise
This is a C1-level phrase that bridges the gap between neutral and formal speech. It is most effective in writing or structured debates rather than casual banter.
The 'But' Trap
Usually, when someone starts a sentence with this phrase, they are about to say something negative. Be ready for the 'but'!
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or can't make up your mind.
The Academic Secret
In English universities, using this phrase is a 'cheat code' to sound more objective and scholarly in your essays.
Beispiele
6In certain respects, the food was amazing, but the service was slow.
In some ways the food was great, but the service was slow.
Used to balance a compliment with a complaint.
In certain respects, your project was a success, though we missed the deadline.
Your project succeeded in some areas, but we were late.
Softens the blow of a negative critique.
In certain respects, the sequel is actually better than the original.
In some specific ways, the second movie is better.
Allows for a bold opinion without sounding argumentative.
In certain respects, that gym session was a total disaster lol.
In some ways, that workout was a mess.
Using a formal phrase in a text adds a layer of ironic humor.
In certain respects, I think we are both happier now.
In some ways, we are both better off.
Used to find a silver lining in a sad situation.
London is similar to New York in certain respects.
London and New York are alike in some specific ways.
Standard way to compare complex things.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence politely.
___, the new policy is helpful, but it's very confusing for the staff.
The speaker is showing both a positive and negative side, making this the perfect hedge.
Which variation fits a situation where you mostly agree?
The plan is perfect ___.
'In every respect' means you agree with every single part of the plan.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'In Certain Respects'
Using 'In some ways' instead.
In some ways, it's okay.
Standard conversation.
It's better in certain respects.
Academic or professional writing.
In certain respects, the data is inconclusive.
When to use 'In Certain Respects'
Job Interview
Explaining a weakness.
Art Critique
Reviewing a play.
Debating
Disagreeing politely.
Self-Reflection
Thinking about life changes.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot exactly. Sometimes refers to time, while in certain respects refers to specific features or parts of a thing.
Yes, but it might sound a bit 'fancy' or ironic. It’s better for serious discussions than for joking around.
You can put it at the beginning, like In certain respects, I agree, or at the end: I agree in certain respects.
In certain respects sounds more formal and precise than in some respects, but they mean almost the same thing.
No, it’s actually very polite! It shows you are trying not to be too blunt or mean.
Absolutely. It’s perfect for professional emails where you need to give feedback or compare options.
Both use it, but you might hear it slightly more often in British English due to their love for indirect speech.
Then use in all respects or in every respect instead of certain.
No, in this context, respects means 'details' or 'aspects.' It has nothing to do with showing respect to a person.
Yes, you must use the plural respects. Saying in certain respect is grammatically incorrect.
Verwandte Redewendungen
From a certain point of view
Looking at it from one specific perspective.
To some extent
Partly, but not completely.
In a sense
One way of looking at the situation.
With regard to
Concerning a specific topic.
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