a certain procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific method or process without naming it directly, often in formal or technical contexts. Example: "Before we proceed, we need to follow a certain procedure to ensure safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He then added: "As an army commander, there is a certain procedure.

The New York Times

"Because Uncle Fred did well with a certain procedure doesn't mean that you will," Dr. Denberg added.

The New York Times - Health

"How in the world am I supposed to know what the proper reimbursement rate should be for a certain procedure?" he asked.

The New York Times

Why did a certain procedure, for instance, take 13 steps when to an outside observer it could be done in three?

The New York Times

It wants doctors to start talking honestly to patients about the benefit or potential lack of benefit from a certain procedure and the possibility that some treatments can involve risk, and about alternative ways of handling their illness.

The Guardian

Some cited "limiting access relating to health outcomes, for example because of smoking and obesity/body mass index" and the use of "referral management" schemes, whereby panels of doctors decide who should or should not undergo a certain procedure.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

As the voltage, power losses in (10) are instantaneous quantities, to evaluate the control parameter efficiency over a time period, certain procedure of evaluation is required.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

While it was not possible to draw clear conclusions on the superiority of a certain augmentation procedure, a graft material or a membrane as the indication for the different materials and procedures might vary; the data indicated that implant survival in augmented bone may be slightly better than in pristine bone.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

As described above, we applied various combinations of cleanup procedures, GC separation columns, and ionization modes for the characterization to avoid possible bias associated with a certain analytical procedure.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

What if, millions of miles from home, a chronically bored astronaut forgets a certain safety procedure?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Because the previous doctor Di Natale will be able to correct me if I'm wrong on a certain medical procedure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain procedure", ensure the context makes it clear why you are not specifying the procedure directly. This can add intrigue or maintain necessary confidentiality.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain procedure" excessively when the procedure is readily known or easily explained. Overusing vague language can confuse your audience and make your writing seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain procedure" functions as a determiner + adjective + noun modifying a process or method, indicating a specific but unnamed action or series of actions. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain procedure" is a grammatically correct construction used to reference a specific method or process without explicitly naming it. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in diverse writing scenarios. It is particularly useful when generality or confidentiality is required, or when the specific details of the procedure are not central to the discussion. While found across various contexts, it is most commonly observed in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure that its vagueness is justified and adds value to your writing, rather than creating unnecessary confusion. Alternatives such as "a particular method" or "a specific process" can provide enhanced clarity when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular method

Replaces "procedure" with "method", emphasizing a specific way of doing something.

a specific process

Substitutes "procedure" with "process", highlighting a series of actions taken to achieve a result.

a defined protocol

Uses "protocol" instead of "procedure", suggesting a more formal and established set of guidelines.

a set way

Simpler alternative, implying an established or conventional manner.

a standard practice

Implies a customary or generally accepted way of doing things.

an established routine

Highlights the habitual and regular nature of the procedure.

a fixed system

Emphasizes the structured and organized nature of the procedure.

a prescribed course of action

Suggests that the procedure is officially recommended or required.

a mandatory step

Highlights the required and non-negotiable aspect of the procedure.

a conventional approach

Points to the traditional or widely used manner of dealing with something.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain procedure" when you want to refer to a specific method or process without explicitly naming it. For example, "The application requires following "a certain procedure" to ensure accurate data entry."

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

You can use alternatives like "a particular method", "a specific process", or "a defined protocol" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain procedure" rather than naming the procedure?

It is appropriate to use "a certain procedure" when the details of the procedure are not important for the reader to know, or when you need to maintain confidentiality. It can also be used when referring to a procedure that is already well-known in the context.

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

In most cases, being specific is preferable for clarity. However, "a certain procedure" can be useful when generality is needed, or when the exact details are not relevant to the point you are making. Always consider your audience and the purpose of your writing.