a certain crowd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain crowd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific group of people without naming them directly, often implying a particular characteristic or behavior of that group. Example: "At the concert, a certain crowd gathered near the stage, eager to see the performance up close."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A certain crowd is guaranteed.

The New York Times - Arts

"The administration takes a hard line meant to please a certain crowd in Miami," he said.

The New York Times

Instead of peddling a persona to attract a certain crowd Latitude aims to offer something for everyone.

The Economist

"When you put a gallery show together," he said, "it's only going to attract a certain crowd.

The New York Times

Now it is the multiplex chains and film studios that are trying to manufacture audience participation as a way of coaxing a certain crowd into theaters.

The New York Times

To a certain crowd of people who were in school in 1977 and are now about fifty, Costello's stature can be almost Dylanesque.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Given (1) an initial crowd state (e.g. size, initial distribution), (2) a physical space layout, and (3) a certain general crowd behavior (e.g. everyone heading towards the nearest exit, or most people moving in one direction) such models can predict the evolution of global parameters such as the density distribution, evacuation time or average physical pressure within the crowd.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

By accepting this assumption, we can infer certain crowd characteristics at a given location even if not every person is being tracked.

EPJ Data Science

Perhaps as the pinnacle of a hype-cycle that didn't end in the wholesale reconfiguration of business and society that the crypto oracles promise, even if they managed to shift the conversation of a certain IT crowd for a while.

TechCrunch

However, those looking for the club-bound, black-haired Snookies will find the Rover a great herder, as it certainly garners attention and interest from that certain crowd.

TechCrunch

Certain crowd behaviour, in fact, is commonly associated with certain bullrings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain crowd" when you want to refer to a group of people without explicitly defining their characteristics, allowing for a degree of ambiguity or implying shared traits without stating them directly.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain crowd" in highly formal or academic writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more specific terms that clearly define the group being discussed to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain crowd" functions as a noun phrase, where 'certain' modifies 'crowd'. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to an unspecified, but implied group of people. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain crowd" serves as a convenient way to reference a group of people without explicitly defining them, implying shared characteristics or behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While common in news and media, and also present in science and wiki, it's crucial to use it judiciously in formal contexts, opting for more precise language when necessary. Consider alternatives like "a particular group" or "a specific audience" for enhanced clarity, and be mindful of the implied meanings the phrase conveys. Remember that clarity and precision are always key in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular group

Replaces "crowd" with a more general term for a collection of individuals. It lacks the implication of size or shared activity that "crowd" often carries.

a specific audience

Emphasizes the role of being a spectator or recipient, suggesting that the group is gathered for a particular purpose or event.

a select few

Highlights the exclusivity or limited number of individuals within the group, implying that membership is restricted or desirable.

a distinctive group

Focuses on the unique characteristics or traits that set the group apart from others, suggesting a clear and identifiable identity.

a defined segment

Implies that the group is a subset of a larger population, typically used in a statistical or analytical context.

a recognized faction

Suggests that the group has a shared set of beliefs or goals and is actively working to promote them, often in a competitive or adversarial setting.

a known entity

Indicates that the group is familiar or well-established, with a reputation or history that is widely recognized.

an identifiable set

Emphasizes the ease with which the group can be recognized or distinguished from others, often based on observable traits or behaviors.

a targeted demographic

Highlights the group's relevance to marketing or advertising efforts, suggesting that they share characteristics that make them a desirable target for specific products or services.

a core constituency

Focuses on the group's importance to a political candidate or party, suggesting that they are loyal supporters whose needs and interests must be prioritized.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain crowd" to refer to a group of people with shared characteristics, like: "The band's music appealed to "a certain crowd" of alternative music enthusiasts."

What are some alternatives to "a certain crowd"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a particular group", "a specific audience", or "a select few".

Is "a certain crowd" formal or informal?

"A certain crowd" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most contexts, but it can be perceived as slightly informal compared to more precise terms in academic or professional settings.

What does "a certain crowd" imply?

"A certain crowd" implies that the group shares some common attribute or interest, although these are not explicitly stated. It can suggest exclusivity, shared preferences, or specific behaviors associated with the group.