a certain idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to an idea that has been previously mentioned, but is specific rather than general. For example, "I had a certain idea about how to solve the problem, so I put it into practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have a certain idea about Paris.

The New York Times - Books

Parisians have a certain idea about Americans.

The New York Times - Books

They speak volumes about a certain idea of education.

The New Yorker

Consider a sentence whose words have been chosen because together they express a certain idea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also guards a certain idea of "art" from popular encroachment.

The New Yorker

I had a certain idea of myself as I approached: portrait of the writer going home.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He had a certain idea and when he hadn't visualised further we did notice," confirms Martin.

The Guardian - Music

It's a demonstration in honour of Charlie Hebdo's values and a certain idea of the republic".

The Guardian

It's been described as a tribute to those who "died for a certain idea of France".

The Guardian - Film

This family venerates a certain idea of France -- literature, eloquent language, Enlightenment principles.

The New York Times

Behind our present turmoil lurks a certain idea of Britain, or of England.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain idea" when you want to refer to a previously mentioned idea, distinguishing it from other general notions. It adds specificity without fully detailing the idea again.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain idea" repeatedly in close proximity without providing sufficient context or varying your phrasing. This can make your writing sound monotonous and vague. Instead, ensure each use is clearly linked to a specific concept and consider using synonyms like "a specific notion" or "a particular concept" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain idea" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "idea". It specifies that the idea is particular or known, but not explicitly defined in the immediate context. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this specification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain idea" is a versatile phrase used to reference a specific concept without fully detailing it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While it adds specificity, ensure your audience has sufficient context to understand the intended meaning. Alternatives like "a specific notion" or "a particular concept" can provide similar nuance. Use the phrase judiciously to enhance clarity and avoid monotony in your writing. With examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its prevalence and acceptability are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion", emphasizing a particular concept but is generally interchangeable.

a particular concept

Substitutes "idea" with "concept", highlighting the mental abstraction of something.

a distinct impression

Focuses on the impact an idea has on someone's mind, rather than the idea itself.

a definite understanding

Emphasizes the clarity and certainty associated with the idea, suggesting a firm grasp of the concept.

a personal interpretation

Highlights the subjective and individual understanding of the idea.

a fixed belief

Highlights the rigidity or unwavering nature of the idea, implying a strong conviction.

a preconceived notion

Suggests an idea formed beforehand, often without sufficient evidence.

a school of thought

Refers to a particular philosophical or intellectual movement representing a specific set of ideas.

a general impression

Replaces "certain" with "general", suggesting a broad rather than specific understanding.

a vague concept

Highlights the lack of clarity and detail in the idea.

FAQs

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

"A certain idea" is used to refer to a specific, though perhaps not fully elaborated, concept. For instance, "The project was based on "a certain idea" of sustainability that guided all design choices."

What are some alternatives to "a certain idea"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a specific notion", "a particular concept", or "a distinct impression" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to be more explicit instead of using "a certain idea"?

While specificity is often beneficial, "a certain idea" can be useful when you want to allude to a concept without fully detailing it, either because it's already understood or because you want to maintain a degree of ambiguity. However, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity.

When is it inappropriate to use "a certain idea"?

Avoid using "a certain idea" if the concept you're referring to is completely new to the audience or if the context doesn't provide enough information for them to grasp the intended meaning. In such cases, it's better to be more explicit and provide a clearer explanation.