a certain problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific and known problem, without specifying it further. Example: There was a certain problem with the new software update that caused the system to crash. Here, the phrase "a certain problem" is used to describe the issue with the software update without going into specific details. It implies that the problem is known and recognized, but not necessarily fully understood or explained.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is, however, a certain problem at the centre of the project.

The Guardian - Film

You think of a better way to say something, a good phrase to correct a certain problem.

The New Yorker

"In many cases a gamer's mind-set is coming up with new and novel approaches to winning, and to a certain problem at hand.

The New York Times

In one-dayers, if you have a certain problem – say, with the short ball – you can get around that, but in Test matches you can't.

Independent

And as the creator of a hit Off Broadway show built around a certain problem he has in the bedroom, he seems doubly qualified for the task.

The New York Times

He acknowledged on Israel Radio that now "there is a certain problem of availability of food," and added, "I don't think it solves the problem that they will blame us, but we have to investigate how to improve the situation".

The New York Times

"We have to warn ourselves, myself and all you, of the sedition that was defeated in the battle and is being provoked in a certain problem here and another problem there".

The New York Times

In the end we are not speeding in different directions across a fluid and mesmerising entertainment landscape made up of nothing but fame, ambition, Google and dreams – we are psychiatrist talking to patient about a certain problem caused by television.

The Guardian - Music

To some extent, as a reader I have some problems — and this is not a professional category and I wouldn't use it in my capacity as a professor of literature in the classroom — I have a certain problem with indoors literature..

The New Yorker

I'm an engineer, and I would write a certain problem in a certain way.

Science Magazine

RAM requirements have to be analyzed based on a certain problem and evaluating the parameters that affect to it.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain problem", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the issue, even if the specifics are withheld.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain problem" too frequently in a single text. Overuse can make your writing seem evasive or unclear. If the details of the problem are important, consider providing more specific information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates an issue that is known but not necessarily specified. This allows for a level of discretion or generality in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to refer to a known issue without providing specific details. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Its neutral tone and appearance across various source types, including Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts, make it a versatile option for different writing scenarios. When using the phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the issue, even if the specifics are withheld. While versatile, avoid overuse to prevent your writing from becoming too vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A specific issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "certain" with "specific" offering a slightly more direct tone.

A particular difficulty

Substitutes "problem" with "difficulty" and "certain" with "particular" to highlight the challenging aspect.

A known challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "certain" with "known" implying awareness of the issue.

A given predicament

Replaces "problem" with "predicament" for a more formal tone and "certain" with "given", implying an acknowledged situation.

A specific matter

Offers a broader term than problem, suitable when the issue isn't necessarily negative.

A defined obstacle

Emphasizes the obstructive nature of the problem, suggesting a clear barrier.

A recognized complication

Highlights the complex or intricate nature of the problem.

An identified snag

Uses a more informal term for problem, suggesting a minor impediment.

A pressing concern

Indicates the problem is urgent and requires immediate attention.

A trouble

Shortens the phrase to its most basic elements, sacrificing nuance for brevity.

FAQs

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

"A certain problem" is used to refer to an issue without being too specific. For example: "There is "a certain problem" with the engine, but I can't diagnose it without further inspection."

What can I say instead of "a certain problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific issue", "a particular difficulty", or "a known challenge", depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific rather than using "a certain problem"?

It depends on the context. If details are necessary for understanding, be specific. If the details are not crucial or are confidential, "a certain problem" can be appropriate.

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

Use "a certain problem" when you want to acknowledge an issue without providing all the details, either because they are not yet known or because they are not relevant to the current discussion.