a certain matter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to any unspecified instance or event, usually one that is significant in some way. For example, "We must discuss a certain matter before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They just spoke of documents related to a certain matter," Ms. Zeng said by telephone.

The New York Times

This depends to a great extent on an evolving or developing consensus within Europe on a certain matter.

The Guardian

THERE is a four-letter word that many home decorators take pains to avoid, preferring, if a certain matter must be disclosed, a euphemism.

The New York Times

The idea is that the combination of the judgments given by a large group of people on a certain matter is often better than the judgment given by any individual within this group.

Perspectives on Data Science for Software Engineering

By proper mathematics simplification method for the new model which demonstrats the relation between energy demanding and providing of the three-dimension electrode (TDE) reactor, the most important characteristic parameters (K1, K2) which are constant for a certain matter during electro-oxidation process were obtained.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

We assume that not every truth about a certain matter X that is metaphysically necessary, in the sense of being true in every (accessible) possible world, is essential to X. Along with most participants in the debate, we also take it that that which is conceptually necessary is metaphysically necessary, but not necessarily vice versa.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Here we might hope to appeal to Nelson Goodman's classic account of "absolute aboutness," which implies that logical truths are not absolutely about anything (1961, 256), or to David Lewis's (1988) account of what it is for a proposition to be about a certain subject matter, which implies that logical truths are about every subject matter indifferently.

SEP

Instead, conciliationism is a view about the bearing of one kind of evidence: evidence regarding what epistemic peers believe on a certain subject matter.

SEP

Imputing an end to an action is of a fictional nature in the sense that it is not free from the subjective valuation that conditions the researcher's thematization of a certain subject matter out of "an infinite multiplicity of successively and coexistently emerging and disappearing events" [Weber 1904/1949, 72].

SEP

In a short article published the next year 19566), Feyerabend expanded on his critique, arguing that consideration of G.E.Moore's famous "paradox of analysis" showed that "philosophy cannot be analytic and scientific, i.e., interesting, progressive, about a certain subject matter, informative at the same time" ("A Note on the Paradox of Analysis", p. 95).

SEP

Both the overall amount and type of media coverage devoted to a certain issue could matter.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain matter", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what you are generally referring to. Avoid using it when complete ambiguity would result.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a certain matter" in highly formal or academic writing where precision is valued. In those contexts, strive for greater specificity unless the ambiguity is intentional for rhetorical effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and usable. It introduces a subject or topic without specifying its exact nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain matter" is a versatile noun phrase used to refer to a specific but unspecified topic. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science domains. While it's appropriate for many situations, including both formal and informal writing, be mindful of the potential for overuse in contexts where precision is key. Consider using alternatives like "a particular issue" or "a specific subject" for clarity when necessary. The phrase serves to introduce a topic without divulging details, maintaining a level of discretion or generality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular issue

Replaces "matter" with "issue", suggesting a problem or topic of concern.

a specific subject

Replaces "matter" with "subject", implying a topic under discussion or consideration.

a given case

Substitutes "matter" with "case", referring to a situation or instance being examined.

a definite topic

Replaces "matter" with "topic", suggesting a clearly defined subject.

a selected aspect

Replaces "matter" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or element.

an unspecified item

Emphasizes the lack of explicit detail about the matter.

a confidential affair

Indicates that the matter is private or secret.

a sensitive point

Highlights the delicate or controversial nature of the matter.

a hidden detail

Suggests that the matter is not easily apparent or known.

an undisclosed concern

Indicates that the matter is a worry or problem that is not being openly discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain matter" to refer to something specific without explicitly naming it. For example, "We need to discuss "a certain matter" before proceeding."

What phrases are similar to "a certain matter"?

Similar phrases include "a particular issue", "a specific subject", or "a given case". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain matter"?

It's appropriate to use "a certain matter" when you want to be vague or when the details are not important or need to be kept private. It's useful when you want to hint at something without revealing all the details.

Is "a certain matter" formal or informal?

"A certain matter" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in neutral or slightly formal writing. In highly formal writing, more precise language may be preferred.