a certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an unspecified person or thing, often to indicate a particular but not explicitly named individual or item. Example: "There is a certain charm about the old town that draws visitors from all over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— a certain pleasure.

The New York Times

A certain lady.

The New Yorker

"To a certain point.

Independent

A certain attire.

The New York Times

By a certain light.

The New York Times

A certain unburdening.

The New Yorker

A certain earnestness.

The New York Times - Books

A certain pattern emerged.

The New York Times - Magazine

To a certain extent.

The New York Times

There's a certain buzz.

The New York Times

They have a certain magnetism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context makes it clear that there is a specific entity in mind, even if it's not named. Avoid using it when complete ambiguity is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain" excessively in formal academic or business writing, as it can come across as vague or evasive. Opt for more precise language when possible. For example, instead of "a certain level of proficiency", specify the level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain" functions as a determiner, specifically a pre-determiner that modifies a noun to indicate a specific but unnamed or unspecified instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain" functions as a determiner used to denote a specific, yet unnamed, entity. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it suitable across various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and media. When employing "a certain", writers should be mindful of the level of formality required in their writing and opt for more specific language in highly formal situations. Alternatives like "a particular" or "a specific" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Overall, "a certain" is a versatile phrase that serves to indicate specificity while maintaining a degree of discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular

Emphasizes specificity without naming the exact item or person.

a specific

Highlights the definite nature, although not identified directly.

an unspecified

Directly indicates that the item or person is not explicitly named.

a distinct

Highlights the clear and recognizable nature of something, even if unnamed.

some

Indicates an indefinite quantity or instance, but can imply a known entity.

a given

Indicates that something is assumed or known, but not specified.

a kind of

Refers to a type or category, implying a degree of generality.

one

Refers to a single instance or member of a group, without further identification.

a sort of

Similar to 'a kind of', but may suggest something approximate or not fully defined.

a mysterious

Adds a sense of intrigue or unknown quality.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain" when you want to refer to someone or something specific without explicitly naming them. For example, "a certain person told me about it".

What are some alternatives to "a certain"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular", "a specific", or "some", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a certain" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a certain" in formal writing may sometimes be considered vague. Consider using more precise language unless the vagueness is intentional or serves a purpose.

What's the difference between "a certain" and "a particular"?

Both phrases indicate specificity, but "a particular" often implies more emphasis on the distinct characteristics of the item or person, while "a certain" can also imply a degree of discretion or unnamed quality.