a certain language of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain language of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular language related to a certain subject. For example: "This research paper explores the grammar and syntax of a certain language of music production."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Books

Civic Sculpture

Rhythms and Harmonies

Rebellion

Nonconformity

Protest

Postmodern Academy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There's a certain language of civic sculpture, which is supposed to be austere and very formal," he said.

The Guardian - Arts

"The old way of 'correct' listening," Ratliff explains, involved a kind of "preconditioning": "A certain language of rhythms and harmonies, signposts and cues, became consensual within a culture".

The New Yorker

Less defensibly, one could further argue that Lost in the Meritocracy is itself a thoroughly practiced imitation of a certain language of rebellion, nonconformity, and protest meant to take to task the easy target of the postmodern academy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It makes sense in a country where white people, when not invited to certain spaces, to speak a certain language, to wear a certain style of dress and hair, hijack them and the many rush to defend them.

Huffington Post

For instance, the dictionary-based approach relies on keeping a large file containing all the words of a certain language and the corresponding linguistic informations (the use of such file eventually requires a large memory, which can be a problem, depending on the application).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Within it Austin distinguished three more: the phonetic act (the act of producing some sounds), the phatic act (the act of uttering some words pertaining to the vocabulary of a certain language organized according to the rules of its grammar), and the rhetic act (the act of using those words with a certain sense and reference).

SEP

First and foremost, the Chinese translators who studied in a certain country or were proficient in a certain language often adopted one of the different connotations and definitions of ethnology in the West, especially in the US, the UK and continental Europe.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

"There is a certain language... the four of us, equal partners around the table.

BBC

Hence the underlying frame of a certain language has a fixed constituent order in terms of the finite verb and its two arguments, subject and object.

Plosone

According to this model, the grammar and vocabulary of a certain language determines its speakers' cognition and behaviour.

The Guardian

In their first proposal, the Dutch had already toned down certain language, stopping short of calling for a Commission of Inquiry, as was established for Syria.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain language of", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the language 'certain' or specific. For example, specify the field, discipline, or group associated with that language.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain language of" without providing sufficient context. Vague references can confuse readers; clarify what distinguishes this 'certain' language from others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain language of" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun, specifying that it relates to a particular language or style of communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain language of" is used to denote a specific style or type of communication associated with a particular field, context, or group. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, although its frequency is rare. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, with some instances in science and academia. It functions to highlight specialization and differentiation in expression. To ensure clarity, it's best to provide sufficient context when using this phrase, avoiding overgeneralizations. Alternatives include "a specific dialect of" or "a distinctive style of speaking", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific dialect of

Replaces "language" with "dialect", implying a regional or social variation.

a particular vernacular of

Substitutes "language" with "vernacular", emphasizing informal, everyday speech.

a distinctive style of speaking

Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than a formal language.

a unique mode of expression

Replaces "language" with a broader term, "mode of expression", highlighting how something is communicated.

a characteristic form of communication

Emphasizes the act of communicating, rather than the linguistic system itself.

a specialized lexicon for

Highlights the vocabulary used within a specific field or group.

a technical jargon within

Emphasizes the use of specialized terms and phrases understood within a particular profession or field.

a symbolic system of

Focuses on the use of symbols, either linguistic or otherwise, for communication.

a coded manner of conveying

Implies a hidden or secret method of communication.

a traditional means of articulation

Highlights the heritage or long-standing practice of expressing oneself in a particular way.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain language of" to refer to a specific style or type of communication related to a particular field or context. For instance, "The diplomat employed "a certain language of" diplomacy during the negotiations".

What are some alternatives to "a certain language of"?

You could use phrases like "a specific dialect of", "a particular vernacular of", or "a distinctive style of speaking" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a certain language of" formal or informal?

The formality depends on the context. It's generally neutral, but the specific context it's used in will dictate the level of formality. For example, the sentence "There's "a certain language of" civic sculpture, which is supposed to be austere and very formal" is fairly formal.

What does "a certain language of" imply about the language being discussed?

It implies that the language has unique features or characteristics that distinguish it from general communication, often related to specific knowledge, practices, or social dynamics. This could involve a technical jargon or some other exclusive code of communicating.