a certain gender of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain gender of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific gender in a general or vague manner, often in discussions about gender identity or roles. Example: "In the study, participants were asked to identify with a certain gender of their choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Remember it's fine to ask for a certain gender of psychologist or even an age range.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"One game we play is to ask people to act like a certain gender – for example, like girls in a playground," says Manak Matiyani, director of the foundation.

The Guardian

These findings should be taken into consideration by website designers, especially when they aim to design for target audience consisting of a majority of a certain gender.

Computers in Human Behavior

While stimuli varied systematically along the valence dimension, the task for subjects was to count the number of target hand or face stimuli of a certain gender.

Brain Topography

But which social practices construct gender, what social construction is and what being of a certain gender amounts to are major feminist controversies.

SEP

With additional users, it becomes increasingly hard (and probably expensive) for the intermediary to acquire and keep users of a certain gender.

Business Research

Want someone of a certain gender?

WikiHow

Increase the chances of a certain gender.

WikiHow

This usually relates to setting up a fantasy in your mind about raising a child of a certain gender.

WikiHow

Remember that there's nothing that qualifies you or anything else for a particular sexual orientation other than being attracted to people of a certain gender.

WikiHow

All of your hopes, dreams and wants get bundled up in this child being of a certain gender, only to get dashed when it turns out to be the opposite.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language if possible, especially when discussing sensitive topics. For example, instead of "a certain gender of psychologist", specify "a female psychologist".

Common error

Avoid using "a certain gender of" when specific information is available, as it can perpetuate stereotypes. Instead of saying "a certain gender of person is more likely to…", provide specific data or avoid generalizing altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain gender of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun relates to a particular, though unspecified, gender. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts where a general reference to gender is sufficient.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

25%

News & Media

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain gender of" is a grammatically sound but relatively infrequent way to refer to a particular gender without being explicitly specific. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used in contexts where gender is a relevant factor, but the specific gender is either unknown, unimportant, or intentionally left vague. While considered correct, writers should consider if more descriptive terms would be more appropriate. The phrase can be found in a variety of sources, from WikiHow articles to news reports and scientific papers, reflecting its adaptability across different registers. However, its usage patterns reveal a higher prevalence in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts compared to more formal or encyclopedic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific gender

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a more definite or particular gender.

a particular gender

Substitutes "certain" with "particular", highlighting a distinct or individual gender.

a given gender

Uses "given" instead of "certain", suggesting a gender that is predetermined or assumed.

a designated gender

Replaces "certain" with "designated", implying a gender that has been officially assigned or specified.

a chosen gender

Employs "chosen" to emphasize that the gender is selected by the individual.

a preferred gender

Uses "preferred" to indicate a gender that is favored or desired.

one gender in particular

Adds emphasis by specifying that the focus is on one gender specifically.

a distinct gender

Replaces "certain" with "distinct", stressing the unique qualities of a gender.

a select gender

Suggests that the gender is chosen from a limited group, implying exclusivity.

a definite gender

Uses "definite" to denote a clearly defined or unmistakable gender.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain gender of" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain gender of" when referring to a specific gender without explicitly naming it, like in the sentence, "The study focused on the experiences of "a certain gender of" participants in the workplace".

What's a more precise alternative to "a certain gender of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a specific gender", "a particular gender", or name the gender directly, such as "men" or "women".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a certain gender of"?

While grammatically correct, using "a certain gender of" may be too vague in contexts where specificity is needed. Consider whether naming the gender directly or using more descriptive terms would be more appropriate.

How does "a certain gender of" differ from "a specific gender"?

"A certain gender of" implies a degree of vagueness or generality, whereas "a specific gender" suggests a more defined or particular group. The choice depends on the level of detail required in your communication.