a certain method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific method that is not explicitly named or when the exact method is not important to the context. Example: "In our research, we employed a certain method that yielded promising results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

I left Delhi feeling that there may be a certain method in the madness.

The New Yorker

Red, after several years, turned out to be a certain method.

The New Yorker

But international observers and the police said the violence possessed a certain method and organization.

The New York Times

De Man may have been a scoundrel who found a career teaching a certain method of reading, but that method of reading does not turn people into scoundrels.

The New Yorker

The paper presents a description and analysis of a certain method of mirror functions (MMF), firstly introduced by Prof. Yu.

Procedia Engineering

The purpose of the paper is to propose a certain method of programming, which enables the programmer to overcome the problem, at least partially.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Bucklew v. Precythe asks whether the Eighth Amendment, which bans cruel and unusual punishment, grants death row inmates the right to prove that a certain execution method would constitute torture, and whether an inmate should be required to present an alternative method.

Vice

Traditionally, RFCO is modeled as a single optimization problem by using a certain scalar method.

Applied Soft Computing

An approximate analytical solution is found with a certain iterative method for a flat punch.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

WALL STREET deal makers have come to count on a certain accounting method almost as much as they count on bubbles in their celebratory champagne.

The New York Times

Require a certain payment method, i.e., debit or credit card.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain method", ensure the context makes it clear why the specific method isn't being named. This adds intrigue or implies the method's details aren't crucial to the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain method" as a vague placeholder when a more specific term would provide clarity. If the method is known and relevant, name it directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain method" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "method". It indicates a specific, but unnamed, technique or procedure. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain method" is a versatile way to refer to a specific, yet unnamed, technique or procedure. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various writing styles. While offering flexibility, remember that clearly identifying the method is better when the specific details matter. In summary, use "a certain method" strategically to imply specificity without getting bogged down in unnecessary details, and always consider whether greater clarity would benefit your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific technique

Focuses on the technical aspect, highlighting a particular procedure.

a particular approach

Emphasizes a way of dealing with a situation or problem.

a defined process

Highlights the structured and established nature of the method.

a set procedure

Implies a fixed and established way of doing something.

a prescribed manner

Suggests the method is officially recommended or required.

a known tactic

Emphasizes the strategic aspect of the method, implying it is recognized.

a distinct methodology

Highlights the systematic and theoretical framework behind the method.

a precise way

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the method.

a selected route

Implies a conscious choice among different possible methods.

a chosen system

Highlights the organized set of procedures used.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain method" when you want to refer to a specific technique without explicitly naming it, often because the details aren't essential or are confidential. For example, "The researchers employed "a certain method" to analyze the data".

What are some alternatives to "a certain method"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific technique", "a particular approach", or "a defined process" depending on the context.

Is it better to always name the method instead of using "a certain method"?

While specificity is generally preferred, using "a certain method" can be appropriate when the exact method is proprietary, irrelevant to the discussion, or understood implicitly by the audience. It allows you to focus on the outcome rather than the procedural details.

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

Avoid using "a certain method" if doing so creates ambiguity or obscures important information. If the method significantly impacts the results or is the focus of the discussion, it should be clearly identified.