a certain account of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain account of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific narrative or description of an event, situation, or concept, often implying that there are multiple interpretations or versions. Example: "In her book, she presents a certain account of the historical events that shaped the nation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In other words, the a priori propositions are all and only the necessary propositions.[3] This approach is often combined with a certain account of semantic content.

SEP

To say that something is a matter of thick luck is to say this and to commit oneself to a certain account of the non-moral properties in virtue of which this moral relationship obtains.

SEP

Reid, by contrast, developed his version of ethical intuitionism within the context of a defense of a certain account of human agency, according to which each of us is endowed with "active power" which we can freely exercise.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It should be noted that although generalisation has been discussed so far in terms of the retention of common features, certain accounts of the process have allowed for a slightly weaker reading.

Functional Linguistics

We may grant that Grossetete does cite empirical observation as one factor among others when he assesses the adequacy of certain accounts of natural phenomena, but this is far from employing a method of experimental verification and falsification in the sense of a controlled experiment.

SEP

As we shall see below, non-factorizability also implies superluminal causal dependence according to certain accounts of causation.

SEP

We can see, however, that this worry applies only to certain accounts of authority, which imply duties to obey on the part of the subjects.

SEP

Certain accounts of what counts as voluntary assumption – i.e., ones that count engaging in procreative sexual activity as voluntary assumption of parental obligations – could cause the voluntarist view to collapse back into the causal account.

SEP

A number of critics have pointed out that essentialism need not be committed to 'types' understood as universalia in re; and on certain accounts of essences any species taxon that meets the standards of BSC does so in virtue of certain essential (though relational and historical) properties.

SEP

These observations appear to undermine certain accounts of bilingual language processing, and have significant implications for the processing and representation of word-forms in bilinguals.

Bilingualism

When calculating the effect size concerning SDQ a measure called added value is sometimes used which takes into account a certain amount of "self-healing".

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain account of", ensure the context clarifies why you're specifying that it's 'certain' – is it a particular perspective, a specific version, or a notable interpretation?

Common error

Avoid using "a certain account of" simply as filler. If the specificity isn't relevant, a more general term like "an account of" or "the account of" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain account of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun phrase. It typically acts as an adjective modifying a noun, specifying that the noun is a particular or specific instance. As Ludwig AI shows, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain account of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to specify a particular version or explanation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, it's most frequently found in science-related contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful to justify the use of "certain" by ensuring there's a clear reason for highlighting the specificity of the account. Related phrases such as "a specific version of" or "a particular explanation of" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific version of

Replaces "account" with "version", emphasizing a particular interpretation.

a particular explanation of

Substitutes "account" with "explanation", highlighting the reason or justification given.

a distinct interpretation of

Uses "interpretation" instead of "account", stressing a unique understanding.

a unique perspective on

Replaces "account" with "perspective", focusing on a specific viewpoint.

a given narrative of

Emphasizes the storytelling aspect by using "narrative" instead of "account".

a certain depiction of

Substitutes "account" with "depiction", highlighting the way something is portrayed.

a defined description of

Uses "description" instead of "account", focusing on a detailed portrayal.

a precise portrayal of

Highlights the accuracy of the representation by using "portrayal" instead of "account".

a specific construal of

Emphasizes the way something is understood or interpreted, using "construal".

a detailed exposition of

Substitutes "account" with "exposition", highlighting a comprehensive and thorough explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain account of" when you want to refer to a specific or particular explanation, description, or narrative about something. For example, "The historian presented a certain account of the events leading up to the war".

What can I say instead of "a certain account of"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific version of", "a particular explanation of", or "a distinct interpretation of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain account of"?

It's suitable when you wish to indicate that there are possibly other accounts or interpretations, but you are focusing on one specific version. It implies that the account is not universally accepted or that it's one among several possibilities.

What's the difference between "a certain account of" and "the account of"?

"A certain account of" suggests one particular version among others, while "the account of" implies a more definitive or widely accepted explanation. The former highlights specificity and potential subjectivity, the latter implies a general consensus or authority.