a certain arrangement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain arrangement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific but unspecified organization or order of items or elements. Example: "The project requires a certain arrangement of the components to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Five genes, in a certain arrangement, will spend this life unrooted, grazing.

The New York Times

The American flag is an abstraction, an idea expressed in a certain arrangement of colors and shapes.

The New Yorker

The MPA chief said: "To a certain extent we do have the capability, but there does need to be a certain arrangement that can be actioned.

The Guardian

Nine pits are dug in a certain arrangement; furrows are drawn around three, then around six, and finally around all nine pits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(A backwash squeeze, by the way, is an obscure offensive tactic whereby a player, facing a certain arrangement of cards, forces an opponent to make a certain kind of self-defeating discard).

The New Yorker

Reflection can lead us to believe that a familiar object, such as a tree, is nothing more than some stuff in a certain arrangement.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They can also work together to form a certain spatial arrangement during the operation.

Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

In other words, the student of nature is expected to provide an explanation of why certain animals typically have a certain dental arrangement.

SEP

Finally, we note that both types of ontological contextualism, in opposition to the causal version, do entail that system properties which we earlier thought to be intrinsic become relational in the sense that a system can only have these properties either if it has certain others, or if it is related to a certain measurement arrangement.

SEP

Rather we are interested in the day-to-day costs of running a certain governance arrangement.

Environmental Management

Tethering via HOPS might provide a certain spatial arrangement favoring the formation of fusion-competent complexes.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain arrangement" when you want to refer to a specific configuration without detailing its exact nature. This allows for generality while implying a defined structure.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain arrangement" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound imprecise and lacking in detail. When possible, specify the arrangement or use a more descriptive alternative to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain arrangement" functions as a noun phrase, where 'certain' modifies 'arrangement'. It serves to denote a specific, yet undefined, configuration or order. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain arrangement" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate a specific but unspecified order or configuration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. While the phrase appears across various domains, it is especially frequent in news and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "a particular arrangement" or "a specific configuration" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and provide more specific details when clarity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular arrangement

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing the specific nature of the arrangement.

a specific configuration

Substitutes both "certain" and "arrangement" to highlight a precise setup.

a defined setup

Uses "defined" instead of "certain" and "setup" instead of arrangement, indicating a clear and established configuration.

a given order

Focuses on the sequence or order, using "given" to imply a pre-determined arrangement.

a structured layout

Emphasizes the organized aspect of the arrangement, suggesting a planned structure.

a prearranged order

Highlights that the arrangement was planned in advance.

a set configuration

Uses "set" to imply a fixed or established arrangement.

a determined positioning

Highlights the spatial placement of elements in the arrangement.

a distinct pattern

Focuses on the recognizable pattern formed by the arrangement.

a precise formation

Implies accuracy and exactness in the way the arrangement is formed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain arrangement" to refer to a specific, but unspecified, organization or configuration of elements. For example, "The success of the experiment depends on maintaining a certain arrangement of the equipment."

What are some alternatives to "a certain arrangement"?

Alternatives include "a particular arrangement", "a specific configuration", or "a defined setup" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain arrangement" instead of being more specific?

Use "a certain arrangement" when the exact details of the arrangement are not important to the reader's understanding, or when specifying the details would be overly complex or distracting.

Is "a certain arrangement" formal or informal language?

"A certain arrangement" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles.