a certain document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific document that is not named or when the exact identity of the document is not important to the context. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, please review a certain document that outlines the guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The production of a certain document (such as a trademark registration) does not differ vastly from one instance to another.

The Economist

Just to underscore that: it's not about keeping a certain document, witness, or other piece of evidence out, but keeping the entire case out of court.

The New Yorker

If a program always hangs when you work on a certain document, there could be a problem with that particular file.

The New York Times

In contrast, the latest round of military-commission hearings came to a halt at one point when everyone realized that, although the prosecution and defense lawyers had been given clearance to see a certain document, Judge Pohl had not.

The New Yorker

Referring to the substantial competent evidence issues, isn't it highly unusual for a trial court to admit into evidence a certain document that one party claims will be controlling, with reference to the claim they bring to the court, and yet never examine those documents before making their decision?

The New York Times

When a user touches a certain document in the document group, the documents become transparent to show the target document.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The BPEL engine could generate instance of the process according to a certain BPEL document and execute the workflows when it is initialized.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The report disappoints in suggesting the return of certain document exclusions, removal of anonymous claims and flat fees.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gather the forms and required documents: All colleges have certain document requirements for enrollment.

WikiHow

Or am I just a name on certain documents?

The Guardian - Books

At work the next morning, a woman needed certain documents, and her impatience in trying to get them began to affect me.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain document" when you want to refer to a specific document without explicitly naming it, either because the name is irrelevant or unknown. This helps maintain a level of generality or discretion.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain document" excessively in formal writing where specificity is crucial. Replace it with precise references to enhance clarity and credibility. For example, mention "the contract" or "Exhibit A" instead of "a certain document".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain document" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "document". It introduces a specific but unnamed or unspecified document within a given context. This aligns with Ludwig's AI assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain document" serves as a way to reference a specific document without needing to name it directly. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, consider if greater specificity might improve clarity, particularly in formal contexts. Related options include "a specific document" or "a particular document". The use of "a certain document" allows for a degree of generality or discretion, making it a versatile phrase in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific document

More direct and emphasizes specificity.

a particular document

Highlights individuality or distinctiveness.

a given document

Implies the document is predetermined or already established.

a designated document

Suggests the document has been officially chosen or assigned.

an unspecified document

Emphasizes the lack of specific identification.

a relevant document

Focuses on the document's importance to the topic at hand.

the document in question

Refers to a document previously mentioned or under discussion.

a confidential document

Highlights the document's private or sensitive nature.

the aforementioned document

Refers to a document previously referenced in a formal setting.

a sample document

Indicates a representative example of a type of document.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain document" when you want to refer to a particular document without naming it directly. For instance, "The lawyer requested access to "a certain document" related to the case".

What are some alternatives to "a certain document"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a specific document", "a particular document", or "the document in question" instead of "a certain document".

When is it appropriate to use "a certain document" rather than naming the document?

It's appropriate to use "a certain document" when the specific name of the document isn't important to the context or when you want to keep the reference general or vague. If the document is highly relevant, it's better to refer to it with a specific name.

Is "a certain document" formal or informal?

"A certain document" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, using a precise designation is preferred.