a certain passage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain passage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific section of text without naming it directly, often in literary or analytical contexts. Example: "In a certain passage of the novel, the author explores the theme of isolation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A certain passage was scheduled for revision.

The New Yorker

A certain passage of communication reaching ultimately to the man himself does reach the speaker.

The New York Times

Some singers will worry, after gale-force performances, whether a certain passage was delivered as the music deserves.

The Guardian - Music

As Kripke writes, "a certain passage of communication reaching ultimately to the man himself does reach the speaker.

The New York Times

During a rehearsal he asked me not to play in a certain passage, and afterward I went to ask what was the matter.

The New York Times - Arts

Steegmuller wrote of "Madame Bovary" that only "a Flaubert among translators" could convey the rhythm of Flaubert's French in a certain passage.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In two angry moments of praise and blame reported in The New York Times, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, last of the great New Deal liberals, vented his frustration over the certain passage of a welfare reform bill he had bitterly opposed from the beginning.

The New York Times - Books

Even as Bush resigned himself to certain passage of a resolution with no substantive force and publicly made little effort to oppose it, aides such as national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley lobbied GOP lawmakers to stick with the president to avoid emboldening Democrats down the line.

The Washington Post

This type of question is asking for the closest in meaning of an English word when it is used in a certain reading passage.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Decades later Eddy wrote that, on the third day after the fall, she had been helped by reading a certain Bible passage.

Wikipedia

They crisscross the earth, with every nation a keeper of certain passages, connecting in a vast network of trade routes.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain passage" when you want to refer to a specific part of a text without explicitly stating which one, allowing for a degree of ambiguity or implication.

Common error

Avoid relying on "a certain passage" too frequently in formal or academic writing where precise references are preferred. Instead, directly cite the specific section or use more descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain passage" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, 'passage'. It specifies a particular section within a text, musical piece, or other work. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain passage" is a versatile phrase used to refer to a specific but unnamed part of a text, musical work, or other piece of content. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. It serves the purpose of indirect reference, allowing writers to highlight or analyze sections without explicit identification. While generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, where greater specificity may be preferred. Related phrases like "a particular section" or "a specific excerpt" can offer more precision when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular section

Emphasizes the specificity of the section being referred to.

a specific excerpt

Highlights that a portion is being taken or quoted from a larger work.

a given segment

Focuses on a defined portion of something.

a designated portion

Indicates that the part was specifically chosen or assigned.

a selected fragment

Highlights that the part has been picked out from a larger whole.

a chosen extract

Stresses the act of choosing a part to represent something.

a relevant portion

Emphasizes the importance or applicability of the part.

a key segment

Highlights that this part is especially important or crucial.

a notable extract

Stresses that the section is worth paying attention to.

a remarkable fragment

Highlights that this part stands out as unusual or interesting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain passage" to refer to a specific part of a text without explicitly stating which one. For instance, "In "a certain passage", the author describes the protagonist's inner turmoil."

What are some alternatives to "a certain passage"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a particular section", "a specific excerpt", or "a given segment", depending on the context.

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

In formal or academic writing, specificity is often preferred. However, ""a certain passage"" can be useful when you want to imply a reference without being overly direct.

What does "a certain passage" imply about the writer's knowledge?

Using ""a certain passage"" suggests the writer has a specific section in mind, but chooses not to explicitly identify it for stylistic or strategic reasons.