a certain job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific job or position without naming it directly, often implying that the job is known to the speaker and listener. Example: "She was offered a certain job that required extensive travel and long hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vast machinery exists to get a certain job done.

Harvard Business Review

"People sign a contract and they get a certain amount of security for a certain job.

The New York Times - Magazine

In contracting, individual workers or groups of workers agree to do a certain job for a certain price.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of them we inherit, some we bring on ourselves because they go with a certain job or place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They need to get a taste for what they're interested in and how it's all going to play out in a certain job.

Independent

Which sounds like what? A. Well, if they're interviewing for a certain job, and if I hear them essentially recite the job description to me, they're gone.

The New York Times

Q. Can you talk about hiring? A. Our H.R. department screens applicants to make sure they would fit in a certain job.

The New York Times

"Obviously, it's less than you'd make on a certain job for Uber, but you have a lot less expenses as well," he said.

The Washington Post

So I think the biggest pitfall is assuming that if you're not a specific working style, you can't do a certain job.

Harvard Business Review

While Anastasia Garvey, an actress and model, doesn't have office pressure, she says she is constantly on edge wondering if she'll get a certain job.

The New York Times

But I don't think that, as a blanket rule, the fact that somebody has a mental health problem should automatically disqualify them from a certain job".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain job", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand which job you are referencing, even if it's not explicitly named. This avoids confusion and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain job" repeatedly in a single piece of writing without providing clearer references. This can make your writing vague and frustrating for the reader. Consider using more specific terms or rephrasing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain job" functions as a pre-modified noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner specifying a particular, though unnamed, job. Ludwig confirms its valid usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain job" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific, yet unnamed, employment position or task. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To maintain clarity, ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the referenced job, or consider using more descriptive alternatives like "a specific role" or "a particular position". Overusing the phrase without sufficient context may lead to vagueness in your writing. Therefore, it is recommended to rephrase or give more detail if the context is not providing the specifics of that "a certain job".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific role

Replaces "job" with "role", suggesting a defined function within an organization. It changes the noun while keeping the adjective.

a particular position

Substitutes "certain" with "particular" and "job" with "position", both conveying specificity without detail. It changes both adjective and noun.

a given task

Replaces "job" with "task", focusing on a specific duty or assignment. It changes the noun while keeping the adjective.

a designated post

Uses "designated" instead of "certain", and "post" instead of "job", implying an assigned duty. It changes both adjective and noun.

a defined occupation

Replaces "certain" with "defined" and "job" with "occupation", indicating a clear and specific employment type. It changes both adjective and noun.

a precise function

Substitutes "certain" with "precise" and "job" with "function", emphasizing the exactness of the role. It changes both adjective and noun.

a selected employment

Uses "selected" instead of "certain", and "employment" instead of "job", suggesting a chosen work opportunity. It changes both adjective and noun.

a specific assignment

Replaces "job" with "assignment", narrowing the focus to a project or task. It changes the noun while keeping the adjective.

a known position

Swaps "certain" for "known", emphasizing that the job is recognized or understood by those involved. It changes the adjective while keeping the noun.

a determined task

Replaces "certain" with "determined" and "job" with "task", underscoring that the task has been explicitly set. It changes both adjective and noun.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain job" when you want to refer to a specific but unnamed job. For example, "She needed specific skills to be considered for "a certain job"." The context should make it clear which job you are referring to.

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

You can use alternatives like "a specific role", "a particular position", or "a given task" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a certain job" or "a specific job"?

Both "a certain job" and "a specific job" are correct, but "a certain job" implies the listener already has some knowledge of the job in question, while "a specific job" simply indicates that the job is not just any job, but one in particular.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a certain job"?

Avoid using "a certain job" if the context doesn't provide enough clues for the reader to understand which job you are referring to. In such cases, use a more descriptive or explicit term, such as "the project manager position" or "the marketing coordinator role".