a certain population

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain population" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific group of people or organisms without naming them directly, often in research or statistical contexts. Example: "The study focused on a certain population that exhibited unique behavioral traits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ROC curve plots true positive rate against false positive rate, evaluated on a certain population.

Measurement

I don't mean to say that as a snide remark toward a certain population in our society.

The New York Times - Magazine

The value of work in population genetics increases with the number of analysed genes from a certain population sample.

Nature

Public transport requires a certain population density to be economically viable: otherwise people are forced to use their cars.

The Guardian

"There is a complaint that a certain population will open the heat at 90 and keep it on.

The New York Times

I do think that with a certain population of women — women who may be infertile due to stress — benefit the least from I.V.F.

The New York Times - Health

The survey collects information at the sub-borough level by clusters of neighborhoods — sometimes one, sometimes several — to reach a certain population threshold.

The New York Times

There is, however, a certain population that craves the superior quality and flexibility of a digital S.L.R. but has been kept away from those joys by the prices.

The New York Times - Tech

The lessons of history are all too plain when the perceived iniquities of a certain population develop an obsessive grip on the public imagination.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think Trump is speaking to a certain population in our country that hasn't had a place to belong for a long time," he said.

The New Yorker

An SMA criticizing a company's hiring practices or specifically singling out a certain population of employees could raise employment discrimination, gender pay equity and other similar concerns.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain population", ensure the context makes it clear what characteristics define this group, even if you choose not to name them explicitly. This prevents ambiguity and maintains clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain population" when you can be more specific. If the defining characteristics of the population are known and relevant, naming them directly will improve the precision and impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain population" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It serves to specify a particular subset of individuals or entities within a larger group. Ludwig examples show its common use in scientific research, news reports, and general discussions to refer to groups without explicitly naming them.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain population" is a versatile way to refer to a specific group without explicitly naming it, often used in scientific, news, and general contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it is a common and acceptable phrase, it's essential to ensure clarity by providing enough context to understand the characteristics of the population being discussed. Consider alternatives like "a specific group" or "a particular demographic" for greater precision, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific group

Emphasizes the distinct and defined nature of the group.

a particular demographic

Highlights the statistical characteristics of the population.

a defined segment

Focuses on the population as a part of a larger whole.

a select group

Suggests the population is chosen or exclusive.

a given cohort

Implies a group sharing a specific characteristic or time period.

a designated subset

Highlights that the group is a part of a larger set.

a targeted community

Focuses on the population as a unit with shared interests or location.

a discrete category

Emphasizes the distinct and separate nature of the group.

a known subset

Suggests that the population is already identified.

an identified segment

Highlights that the population is clearly distinguished from others.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain population" to refer to a specific group of individuals or organisms without explicitly naming them, often when the exact identity is not relevant or known. For example, "The study focused on a certain population to assess the effects of the new treatment."

What are some alternatives to "a certain population"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a specific group", "a particular demographic", or "a select group".

Is it better to use "a certain population" or name the population directly?

It depends on the context. Use "a certain population" when the specific identity of the group is not crucial or when you want to avoid naming them for privacy reasons. However, if the group's identity is relevant, it's better to name them directly for clarity.

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

It is appropriate in research contexts where the focus is on the characteristics or behaviors of a group, rather than its specific identity. For example, when discussing statistical trends or experimental results applicable to a defined but unnamed group.