A certain person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A certain person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified individual, often in a narrative or anecdotal context. Example: "A certain person once told me that the secret to happiness is to live in the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Certain Person, whom I cannot bring myself to name, has been very difficult.

The Guardian - Books

The term identity theft is commonly used to refer to the crime of using personal information of someone else to illegally pretend to be a certain person [38].

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

There will be a certain person of yours over there. . . .

The New Yorker

"You said a certain person has been accused.

The Guardian

"But they're not prejudiced toward a certain person.

The New York Times - Sports

"It takes a certain person to want to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

You didn't walk away thinking, well, that sounded like a certain person, place or time.

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes a certain person who can walk in both worlds".

The New York Times

A person looks and thinks, 'This must be changed.' " A certain person, anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the endowment of X and Y of a certain person, EiX and EiY.

Yale University

I thought of myself as a certain person and suddenly I wasn't".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A certain person" when you want to refer to someone without revealing their identity or when the identity is not important to the context. It adds an element of mystery or generality.

Common error

Avoid using "A certain person" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for more specific terms or simply 'an individual'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A certain person" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an individual without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, reflected in its widespread presence across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A certain person" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote an unspecified individual, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its strength lies in its versatility, fitting into numerous contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "an individual". As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's prevalent in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, offering a way to maintain generality or protect identities. When writing, consider the context and desired level of formality to effectively use "A certain person" or its suitable substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A certain individual

A more formal synonym, with similar meaning and usage.

A particular individual

Emphasizes the specific nature of the person being referred to.

A specific person

Highlights that the person in question is not just anyone, but someone distinct.

An individual

A more formal and general way to refer to someone.

An unnamed person

Focuses on the fact that the person's name is not being revealed.

Someone

A simple and widely used way to refer to an unspecified person.

An anonymous person

Emphasizes that the person's identity is unknown or concealed.

A figure

Implies the person is significant or well-known in a particular context.

A party

A formal term referring to one side in a legal or contractual agreement.

A character

Used in narrative or fictional contexts to denote a person in a story.

FAQs

How can I use "A certain person" in a sentence?

"A certain person" is used to refer to someone without explicitly stating their name. Example: "A certain person told me this secret, but I can't reveal who it was."

What's the difference between "A certain person" and "Someone"?

While both refer to unspecified individuals, "A certain person" often implies a specific but unnamed individual, whereas "someone" is more general and less specific.

Is it appropriate to use "A certain person" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "A certain person" might sound informal in academic or business writing. Consider using "an individual" or "a specific person" for a more professional tone.

What are some alternatives to "A certain person"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a particular individual", "a specific person", or simply "someone".