a certain notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific idea or concept that is not explicitly defined or is somewhat vague. Example: "In her speech, she introduced a certain notion that challenged traditional beliefs about education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

A certain notion began to dance in his mind.

The New York Times

Or a certain notion of a scruffy, stylish Brooklyn, where a mixed drink is just an eight-ounce Mason jar, ice and a blend of three whiskeys.

The New York Times - Food

There is a certain notion of rationality that starts from the assumption that each of us is, in essence, a monad designed to maximize profit and pleasure.

The New York Times - Books

And history, invoked as truth beyond appeal, was allied with the rising prestige of a certain notion of subjects needing more attention, known as realism, which was soon to have a host of defenders among novelists as well as photographers.

The New Yorker

Just last week, in my introductory philosophy class, my students and I discussed how the United States legal system assumes a certain notion of moral responsibility, which itself depends on a particular understanding of free will.

The New York Times

But prizing and praising a certain notion of loyalty among professional athletes risks ignoring the financial realities of sports, which no player can transcend: Duncan himself, in the early two-thousands, nearly bolted for the Orlando Magic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The main task of a neutral monist theory is therefore to show how, given a certain notions of mind and body, a class of neutral entities can be specified and how mental and physical states can be reduced to/constructed from these entities.

SEP

However, the concepts of all of the other transcendentals add a certain basic notion to the notion of being in order to differentiate them from being.

SEP

Tarski uses a certain precise notion of interpretation for a formal language.

SEP

In our work a certain gometric notion defined in the Introduction, Definition 1, of a hyperconvex set in Cn, plays a key role.

Journal of Functional Analysis

The attraction of Cartesianism is that it recognizes in a way the behaviourist does not that there may be crucial differences between creatures who on a certain restrictive notion of behaviour do indeed behave identically.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a certain notion" with adjectives that provide additional context, such as "a certain abstract notion" or "a certain philosophical notion", to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain notion" as a crutch for underdeveloped ideas. Ensure you provide enough context for your audience to understand the concept you're referencing, even if you don't want to define it precisely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain notion" functions as a determiner plus noun, introducing an idea or concept in a non-specific way. It allows for a degree of ambiguity or interpretation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain notion" is a versatile phrase used to introduce ideas or concepts without being overly specific. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct. When using this phrase, consider whether greater specificity would improve clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific idea

Replaces "notion" with the more concrete term "idea", implying a clearer concept.

a particular concept

Substitutes "notion" with "concept", suggesting a more structured or defined understanding.

a definite impression

Shifts the focus to the mental image or feeling created, rather than the abstract idea itself.

a precise understanding

Emphasizes the clarity and accuracy of the mental grasp of something.

a distinct feeling

Highlights the emotional or sensory experience associated with the idea.

a unique perspective

Focuses on the novelty or individuality of the viewpoint.

a common belief

Highlights the shared acceptance or adherence to the idea.

a prevailing view

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and dominance of the idea.

a vague idea

Conveys the idea is not clearly defined or fully formed.

an inkling

Indicates a slight suspicion or vague idea about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain notion" to introduce a concept or idea that you don't want to define precisely. For instance, "The policy reflects "a certain notion" of fairness."

What phrases are similar to "a certain notion"?

Similar phrases include "a specific idea", "a particular concept", or "a definite impression". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain notion"?

While specificity is often preferred, "a certain notion" can be useful when you want to allude to an idea without fully defining it. However, ensure your audience has enough context to understand your meaning. If in doubt, use an alternative like "a specific idea".

When is it appropriate to use "a certain notion" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to a concept that's understood or implied within the context, or when you're deliberately avoiding a precise definition. If you need an alternative that sounds more precise, try "a precise understanding".