a certain list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain list" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific list that is not named or detailed, often implying that the list is known to the speaker and listener. Example: "I have a certain list of tasks that I need to complete before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

He has a certain list of accomplishments; is that number a lot, given the passage of time, or a little?

The New Yorker

In her book, Ms. Szymanski counsels parents that if it is not clearly stated how a certain list was compiled, "be suspicious".

The New York Times

They could offer tiered pricing based on sales or a flat fee for access to a certain list of outlets.

TechCrunch

First, one could add an additional constraint to the model, which enforces that list elements (i.e., activities) can only occur at a certain list position if all predecessors are at earlier positions on that list.

Business Research

If the only plausible options in moral theory lie on a certain list (say, Kantianism, contractarianism, virtue theory, pluralistic intuitionism, and consequentialism), then consequentialists can argue for their own theory by criticizing the others.

SEP

It's not about agreeing to a certain list of beliefs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We represented the wait for each patient by a sequence of binary indicators that indicate if the patient left the list at a certain wait-list week [ 13].

BMC Health Services Research

Another search using the last name of the moderator of a certain mailing list we subscribe to was equally fast and comprehensive.

Forbes

The model, given the strict forwarder priorities and the packet delivery probabilities, can compute retransmissions for a certain forwarders list using the following recursive equation: E [ X i ] = 1 + ∑ l = 1 n i p il E [ X l ] 1 - p ii, i ≠ d. (1).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is possible to identify, for example, which spot in a given gel has originated a certain m/z list.

BMC Genomics

Adjust your news feed to see news by a certain friends list.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain list" when you want to refer to a specific collection of items without needing to name or detail what is on it.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain list" in highly formal documents where clarity and specificity are valued. Instead, provide the actual list or use more precise language to describe it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain list" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "list". It specifies that the list is particular and identifiable, although not explicitly named. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain list" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to refer to a specific list without detailing its contents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and wiki articles. While generally acceptable, it might be too vague for formal or scientific writing, where more precise language is preferable. Alternatives like "a specific list" or "a particular list" offer similar meanings with a touch more clarity. When using "a certain list", ensure the context makes the list’s identity clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific list

Replaces 'certain' with 'specific', emphasizing the defined nature of the list.

a particular list

Substitutes 'certain' with 'particular', highlighting the distinctiveness of the list.

a designated list

Uses 'designated' to suggest the list has been officially appointed or chosen.

a defined list

Emphasizes that the list has clear boundaries or criteria.

a select list

Suggests the list contains items chosen for their quality or suitability.

a given list

Indicates the list is already known or provided.

a predetermined list

Highlights that the list was established in advance.

a prearranged list

Similar to 'predetermined', but with an emphasis on planning.

an established list

Indicates the list is well-recognized or has been in place for some time.

a fixed list

Implies the list is not subject to change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain list" to refer to a specific, but unnamed, collection of items. For example, "I have a certain list of priorities to address today."

What's a good alternative to "a certain list"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a specific list", "a particular list", or even just specify the type of list: "the task list".

Is it appropriate to use "a certain list" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a certain list" can sound vague in formal writing. If possible, be more specific about the list you're referring to.

What is the difference between "a certain list" and "the complete list"?

"A certain list" implies a specific but unnamed collection, whereas "the complete list" suggests that all items are included and known. The former is vague, the latter is definitive.