a certain goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific objective or aim that is not explicitly defined or is somewhat vague. Example: "The team worked tirelessly to achieve a certain goal that would benefit the entire organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He stopped a certain goal.

The New York Times - Sports

He helps coerce players to bunt by offering free dinners if they achieve a certain goal.

The New York Times - Sports

An incident like that, which denies a certain goal, should be judged differently.

The Guardian - Sport

But a prostrate Richter made a glove save to rob Kapanen of a certain goal.

The New York Times - Sports

United, who had poured forward, left themselves so exposed that Vaclav Kadlec, vainly pursued by Paddy McNair, could either pass to set up a certain goal or shoot.

Independent

But damn, I gotta tell you man, when you get with a group of guys and you pull together to accomplish a certain goal, there's nothing greater.

The New York Times

Martin O'Neill, one of Keane's successors as the Sunderland manager, was standing in the technical area, and from his vantage point it looked a certain goal.

Independent

"I'm very happy with where I am at the moment, and I'm putting no pressure on myself whatsoever to reach a certain goal.

The New York Times - Sports

The home side grew in confidence and Forrest missed the target from a Sinclair cut-back when it looked a certain goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Most modern coding languages allow for a program to "introspect" and modify itself within the parameters of a certain command being executed, a certain goal pursued.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having what seems like a certain goal knocked away is huge, especially in a matchup like this one where goals may be few.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain goal", ensure the context makes it clear why the goal isn't explicitly stated. This can add intrigue or suggest the goal is commonly understood without needing to be defined.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain goal" when a more specific description is possible. If you know the goal, state it directly for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain goal" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to represent a specific objective or aim. It adds a layer of ambiguity or generality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain goal" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a specific objective without explicitly stating it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal communications. While versatility is valuable, be mindful of situations where clarity trumps coyness, ensuring you're not obscuring understanding for the sake of vague allusion. Consider more specific alternatives such as "a specific objective" or "a particular aim" when precision is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific objective

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a more precise target.

a particular aim

Substitutes "goal" with "aim" and "certain" with "particular", suggesting a focused intention.

a defined target

Emphasizes the clarity and established nature of the goal.

a pre-set objective

Highlights that the objective was determined in advance.

an established aim

Indicates the aim is recognized or formally approved.

a designated purpose

Conveys that the purpose has been officially assigned or selected.

a distinct ambition

Replaces "goal" with "ambition", adding a sense of aspiration and scope.

a determined objective

Highlights the firmness and resolve behind the objective.

a set intention

Emphasizes the planned and deliberate nature of the intention.

a decided ambition

Focuses on the resolute nature and breadth of the ambition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain goal" to refer to a specific objective without explicitly stating what it is. For example, "The company implemented new strategies to achieve "a certain goal" by the end of the year."

What are some alternatives to "a certain goal"?

Alternatives include "a specific objective", "a particular aim", or "a defined target" depending on the context.

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

While "a certain goal" can be useful when the goal is implied or confidential, being specific generally improves clarity. It depends on the context and your audience.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain goal" instead of stating the goal directly?

It's appropriate when the goal is sensitive information, broadly understood within a group, or when revealing the goal directly would spoil a narrative or strategic purpose.