a certain context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain context" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific situation or set of circumstances that influence the meaning or interpretation of something. Example: "The meaning of the word can change significantly when considered in a certain context."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There have been many well-thought-out plans, but they address a certain context.

The New York Times

The general rule of insults is that they will be accepted from a certain friend in a certain context.

The Guardian - Opinion

Informally, a projected contour is a contour which describes a set of elements limited to a certain context.

Journal of Visual Languages & Computing

The variety of matching mechanisms makes it difficult to select a proper matching mechanism for a certain context.

Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review

It's when this connection between a dish and a certain context comes together that foods makes most sense and is comforting to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ear will do that for people, subconsciously; when they hear a whole tone in a certain context it sounds French.

The New York Times

"Have we missed the tide?" is a perfectly sensible question in a certain context (swimming, fishing, sailing, etc), but the poem intimates none.

The Guardian - Books

But a distinction can be made between commands that were given in a certain context, and those which hold good for all time.

The Economist

You'd get this pissy with a black woman if she mentioned in a certain context that you are a white woman?

Independent

On Wednesday, Mr. Gilani said those statements had been made in a certain context and no longer pertained to the army chief and the ISI director general.

The New York Times

"Most people feel like the N-word, when used in a certain context, and even Negro, is being called out of your name," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain context", ensure the specific context is either clearly stated or easily understood by your audience. Avoid vagueness by providing relevant details or examples to clarify the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain context" without providing sufficient information about what that context entails. Readers might struggle to understand your point if the context remains undefined or too broad.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain context" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It specifies that something is true, relevant, or applicable only under particular conditions, settings, or frameworks. Ludwig AI examples show it frequently qualifies statements, actions, or interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain context" is a versatile expression used to denote that a statement or idea is contingent on specific conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in scientific and news-related contexts. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to ensure that the context is clearly defined for the audience to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a specific situation" or "a particular setting" can be used for greater clarity, depending on the intended nuance. By carefully considering the context, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific situation

Focuses on the particular conditions instead of the broader 'context'.

a particular setting

Emphasizes the environment or location where something occurs.

a given scenario

Highlights a hypothetical or assumed sequence of events.

a defined framework

Suggests a structured set of rules or guidelines.

a specific set of circumstances

Details the combination of factors affecting an event or situation.

a unique environment

Implies the surrounding conditions are not generic.

a determined condition

Stresses that the conditions were established ahead of time.

a relevant circumstance

Highlights the pertinence or applicability of certain conditions.

a precise juncture

Underscores the timing or specific point in time.

a distinct backdrop

Presents the contextual environment that is specific and noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain context" to refer to specific conditions or situations that influence the meaning or interpretation of something. For example, "The meaning of the word changes significantly in a certain context."

What are some alternatives to "a certain context"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific situation", "a particular setting", or "a given scenario", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain context" or "a specific context"?

Both "a certain context" and "a specific context" are correct. "A specific context" might provide more clarity, while "a certain context" can imply the context is known or understood by the audience. The best choice depends on the specific situation and your intended emphasis.

What does it mean to consider something within "a certain context"?

Considering something within "a certain context" means evaluating it based on the specific circumstances, background, or environment in which it occurs. This approach helps to understand the meaning, implications, or relevance of the subject in that particular situation.