a certain other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain other" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to refer to an unspecified additional person or thing, but it is better to use clearer alternatives. Example: "I spoke to a certain other individual about the project, but I can't disclose their identity."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

In contrast to a certain other sex that will go unmentioned.

The Guardian - Books

That is certainly not the case in a certain other country.

Independent

"They gain a certain other kind of value over time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Fugazy, what about Ms. Reno's recent dip in popularity among a certain other immigrant group?

The New York Times

And a certain other four-piece band – pals of Cilla's, who were beginning to make a name for themselves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Speaking of blockbusters: isn't the theme just a little coincidental with a certain other epic space story arriving this Christmas?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The films of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger have a certain other-worldly quality that suggests someone was sipping something as they were made.

The New York Times - Food

Gershom, meanwhile, had become both pioneer and professor, transplanting Germany's academic culture to British-ruled Palestine.To be right when the world from which one sprang has gone so wrong is to risk a certain other-worldliness.

The Economist

He recognizes almost nothing of himself in the eminent literary personage with whom he shares a name, a face, and certain other superficial qualities.

The New Yorker

The latest news comes from Syria, where Twitter use remains low despite – until recently – a ban on certain other social networks, including Facebook.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the 'given situation' conforms to a certain pattern, certain other features must also be present, for their presence must also be deducible from the pattern originally postulated".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain other", consider whether providing a more specific identifier would improve clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on vague terms like "a certain other" when more precise language would enhance understanding. Be direct and specific whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain other" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, serving to indicate an alternative or additional item or person that is not specifically named. As Ludwig AI notes, it is acceptable but often replaceable with more precise terms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain other" is used to refer to an unspecified additional person or thing. While Ludwig AI mentions it is acceptable, it's generally recommended to consider whether a more specific term would provide greater clarity. Common in news and media, its function is to indirectly reference something, often for comparison or discretion. Alternatives include “another specific” or “a particular different”. The phrase can be useful, but writers should be cautious about overuse and prioritize precision in their language for better understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another specific

Emphasizes specificity but still maintains an air of vagueness.

a particular different

Highlights the distinctness of the alternative being mentioned.

a separate distinct

Stresses the separateness and clarity of distinction.

some additional

Implies an extra element without pointing to any specific alternative.

an alternative

A straightforward substitute, without a precise description.

a further different

Indicates a dissimilar element, continuing from the prior context.

a different

Simplest way to refer to an alternative.

a certain

Omission of 'other' makes this phrase less direct.

some other

Very general, does not imply a specific alternative.

another

Shortest way to refer to an additional item or person.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain other" when you want to refer to another specific but unnamed item or person. For example, "Unlike "a certain other phone" that has been getting considerably more attention lately: Apple's iPhone."

What's a better alternative to using "a certain other"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a certain other" with phrases like "another specific", "a particular different", or "a separate distinct".

Is "a certain other" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "a certain other" can be vague and may benefit from being replaced with a more precise phrase depending on the context.

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

It's suitable when you want to imply the existence of another item or person without explicitly naming it, often to avoid direct mention or maintain a degree of separation. Ensure that omitting details does not hinder understanding.