a certain entertainment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain entertainment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific type of entertainment without naming it directly, often implying a level of familiarity or specificity. Example: "After a long week, I decided to indulge in a certain entertainment that always lifts my spirits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The new theaters are so expensive, both for the operators and producers, that it demands a certain size of capitalization to do anything and demands a certain entertainment orientation," he said.

The New York Times

Yes, sometimes the reinvention works (the new Looney Tunes Show), but there is no shame in acknowledging that a certain entertainment property has reached the end of its natural life cycle and put it aside in order to create something new.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If he fails to steal Avatar's $2.8bn crown as the most successful film ever, Abrams will be given about as sympathetic a treatment by certain entertainment news websites as one of Darth Vader's spluttering minions.

The Guardian - Film

It may be possible that state law allows a minor to be "emancipated" or enter into certain entertainment contracts.

Huffington Post

Carteris made headlines recently in her fight for the passage of California law AB 1687, which is known as "the IMDb law". The legislation, approved by Gov. Jerry Brown last month, requires certain entertainment sites, including IMDb, to remove an actor's age or birthday upon request, or to not post it in the first place.

Los Angeles Times

This question often haunts those considering certain entertainment for their children, including thrill rides, movies and TV shows.

The New York Times

Microsoft already has channel apps – apps that supply certain entertainment like NFL games.

TechCrunch

Another exception to the disallowed entertainment deductions was recently clarified to exempt certain entertainment expenses that are ordinary and necessary in the course of business.

Forbes

We see success when you can group consumers globally and sort how they respond to certain entertainment personalities or how these celebrity fanbases respond to certain types of content.

Forbes

You have to give writers leeway to take you where they want to go — but at a certain point, commercial entertainment has to be entertaining, or there's no reason to watch".

Wikipedia

Certain entertainments can also occasionally intrude, like the teenage girl band loudly performing covers like "Cotton Fields" after 11 p.m. in the Mollstorps campground on the island of Oland in Sweden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain entertainment" when you want to refer to a specific type of entertainment without explicitly naming it, often implying shared knowledge or understanding with the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain entertainment" when greater clarity would improve the writing. If the specific type of entertainment is relevant, name it directly to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain entertainment" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. 'Certain' here specifies the entertainment, indicating it is particular but not explicitly named. Ludwig AI validates its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain entertainment" is a valid and usable expression in written English, typically functioning as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It serves to refer to a specific, yet unnamed, type of entertainment, often implying shared knowledge or a desire to be discreet. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds its use mainly in news and media, as well as wiki content, suggesting a neutral register. While not overly common, its proper usage adds a layer of subtlety to communication, allowing writers to allude to particular forms of entertainment without explicitly stating them. Alternatives like "a particular entertainment" or "a specific type of entertainment" can be used for increased clarity when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular entertainment

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific instance.

a specific type of entertainment

More explicitly states that the entertainment is of a defined category.

a definite form of entertainment

Emphasizes the distinct and clear nature of the entertainment.

a given entertainment

Suggests that the entertainment is pre-determined or agreed upon.

a known entertainment

Implies the entertainment is already familiar or recognized.

a distinct entertainment

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the entertainment.

a special kind of entertainment

Emphasizes the exceptional or unique quality of the entertainment.

a unique entertainment experience

Focuses on the singular and unrepeatable nature of the entertainment.

a select entertainment

Implies the entertainment is chosen carefully from a larger set.

a targeted entertainment

Suggests that the entertainment is designed for a specific audience or purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain entertainment" to refer to a particular type of entertainment without being specific. For example, "After a stressful day, I enjoy indulging in "a certain entertainment" to unwind."

What can I say instead of "a certain entertainment"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular entertainment", "a specific type of entertainment", or "a definite form of entertainment" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain entertainment"?

It depends on the context. If the specific type of entertainment is important or adds value to the sentence, it's better to be specific. If you're trying to be vague or imply shared understanding, ""a certain entertainment"" can be effective.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain entertainment"?

It's appropriate to use ""a certain entertainment"" when you want to allude to a specific type of entertainment without directly stating it, either because it's implied from context or to maintain a degree of discretion.