a certain detail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain detail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific piece of information or aspect that is not explicitly named or is somewhat vague. Example: "In the report, she mentioned a certain detail that caught my attention and required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(It's hard to ignore a certain detail in the film: the bleeping of certain names, an anonymity never available to its primary subjects).

The New York Times

First of all, this book is incredibly detailed, which is similar to how Simon wrote the Itch books; there's a lot of detail, so much so you can picture scenes with barely any doubt as to what a certain detail is supposed to look like.

The Guardian - Books

In quaestio 5, for instance, Italos talks about the same three types of genera in the same order, but a certain detail of his account proves to be quite intriguing.

SEP

Sometimes when you're out working, or on a certain detail, you don't feel like you're in a jail.

Vice

It's common for journalists to speak with sources off the record, only to ask whether those rules can be lifted for a certain detail or quote to be permitted on the record.

Huffington Post

For secretory and membrane proteins, the molecular machinery involved in the recognition, retention and dislocation of aberrant proteins has been identified to a certain detail (Carvalho et al. 2006; Denic et al. 2006; Hirsch et al. 2003; Ismail and Ng 2006; Katiyar et al. 2005; Li et al. 2006; Lilley and Ploegh 2004; Schuberth and Buchberger 2005; Tsai et al. 2002; Ye et al. 2003, 2004).

Histochemistry and Cell Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But after being bombarded by bossy letters from sleepaway camp, I am frankly relieved that a certain detail-oriented preteenager I know will soon be headed back to school.

The New York Times - Tech

"Jaws" fans will recognize the dramatic strategy of keeping the beast offstage as much as possible to allow terror to fill in the blanks, as well as a certain lurid detail at the book's end, which I won't reveal.

The New York Times - Books

Many boards will approve such a transfer, assuming certain details are made clear, among them the length of time the trust will last and the person responsible for fees and payments.

The New York Times

Our data were further limited by a lack of certain details that would be valuable for distinguishing case groups, such as autoantibody-positivity [for rheumatoid factor (RF) or anticitrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA)].

Environmental Health Perspectives

Certain details – a profusion of naff paper drinks coasters, a scruffy old kettle – are less impressive in a venue aiming for real luxury.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain detail" when you want to refer to something specific without explicitly naming it, allowing for a degree of ambiguity or discretion. For example, "The witness mentioned "a certain detail" that only the perpetrator would know."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a certain detail" without providing enough context. While it can be useful for hinting at something, overuse can make your writing seem evasive or unclear. Ensure that the surrounding text gives enough information for the reader to understand what you're referring to, even if the specific detail remains unnamed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain detail" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, pointing to a specific but unnamed piece of information. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. It introduces a level of vagueness while still indicating specificity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain detail" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a specific but unnamed piece of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and useful across various contexts. It's prevalent in news, science, and wiki sources, conveying a neutral tone. While it's a handy way to hint at something without being fully explicit, be mindful of providing enough context to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "a specific detail" and "a particular detail", offering slightly different nuances depending on the desired level of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular detail

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing specificity.

a specific detail

Substitutes "certain" with "specific", highlighting the defined nature of the detail.

a given detail

Uses "given" instead of "certain", suggesting the detail is already established or known.

one particular aspect

Expands "detail" to "aspect", broadening the scope slightly.

one specific element

Replaces "detail" with "element", providing a more structural connotation.

a notable feature

Shifts focus to the importance of the detail, describing it as notable.

a remarkable point

Highlights the detail as being remarkable or worth mentioning.

a distinct characteristic

Emphasizes the unique nature of the detail, referring to it as a characteristic.

a noteworthy item

Presents the detail as a noteworthy item of interest.

a singular fact

Replaces "detail" with "fact", stressing the factual nature of the information.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain detail" when you want to refer to a particular piece of information without explicitly stating it. For example, "The report highlighted "a certain detail" that raised concerns among the committee members."

What are some alternatives to "a certain detail"?

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

Is it better to use "a specific detail" or "a certain detail"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a specific detail" implies greater clarity and explicitness, while "a certain detail" can suggest a degree of ambiguity or discretion. The choice depends on the context and the level of detail you wish to convey.

In what situations should I use "a certain detail"?

Use "a certain detail" when you want to reference something particular without being fully explicit, perhaps because the detail is sensitive, confidential, or not yet fully confirmed. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a certain detail" that could change the course of the trial."