a certain function

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific, but unidentified, function or role. For example: "The accountant performed a certain function which was essential to the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A functional group is a group of genes involved in a certain function or biogeochemical process in the soil.

Plosone

A functional product is an integrated package consisting of hardware, software and a service support system that provides a customer with a certain function and is sold under a performance-based contract that includes a functional availability guarantee.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

"It becomes clear that Zuno had a certain function," one prosecutor told jurors.

The New York Times

You can wander through and choose a thread to follow: yellow things, say, or things from a certain period, or that perform a certain function.

The Guardian - Travel

The two coelenterate phyla (Cnidaria and Ctenophora) advanced in complexity beyond the parazoans by developing incipient tissues groups of cells that are integrally coordinated in the performance of a certain function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fermat's and Hamilton's principles are but two examples out of many whereby a procedure is established for finding the correct solution to a problem by discovering under what conditions a certain function takes an extremal value.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is said to be a certain function of n arguments (or, of degree n) when there is a rule that specifies a unique object (called the value of the function) whenever all the arguments are specified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These actions can take users deeply into an app to perform a certain function.

TechCrunch

"A machine can do a certain function, but most people's jobs involve multiple different functions.

BBC

Rights are only those collections of Hohfeldian incidents that have a certain function (or perhaps certain functions).

SEP

To take an analogy: all engagement rings are rings, but only rings with a certain function are engagement rings.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain function" when you want to refer to a task or role without specifying exactly what it is, either because the details are not important or because they are unknown.

Common error

While "a certain function" is useful, overuse can make your writing vague. Consider replacing it with a more specific term when possible to provide clearer context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain function" acts as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is considered correct. The phrase introduces an unspecified function or role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain function" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a specific but unnamed task or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase in written English. Its usage spans across diverse fields, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's advisable to use more specific language when possible to enhance clarity. Related phrases such as "a specific duty" or "a particular role" can be used as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific duty

This alternative focuses on the particular nature of the task being carried out.

a particular role

This alternative emphasizes the part someone or something plays in a larger context.

a designated task

This alternative highlights the assignment aspect of the function.

a given purpose

This alternative stresses the intended goal or aim.

a defined operation

This alternative emphasizes the action or process involved.

a selected feature

This alternative draws attention to a specific attribute or capability.

a precise activity

This alternative underscores the exactness of the function.

a determined action

This alternative points to the intentionality behind the function.

a special attribute

This alternative accentuates the uniqueness of the function.

a unique operation

This alternative emphasizes the singularity of the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain function" when referring to a specific but unnamed function or duty. For example: "The device is designed to perform "a certain function" under specific conditions."

What are some alternatives to "a certain function"?

Alternatives include "a specific duty", "a particular role", or "a designated task" depending on the context.

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

While "a certain function" is grammatically correct, being more specific can often improve clarity. Use it when the exact function is irrelevant or unknown, but opt for a more precise term when possible.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain function" in formal writing?

It's suitable in formal writing when the precise details are unimportant or confidential. For instance, "The algorithm executes "a certain function" to ensure data integrity."