a certain section

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain section" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a section of a document, book, or other larger entity. For example, "I need to review a certain section of the contract before I sign it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JK: Yeah but it's only a certain section.

The Guardian - Sport

"But let's just say that a certain section of the government didn't want this press conference".

The New York Times

There were a certain section of people that really got carried away.

The New Yorker

-Did articles in a certain section use more sources than others?

The New York Times

I kept elements of a kind of gesture in a certain section of the painting.

The New York Times - Arts

Not unlike a certain section of today's youth, the "Bullers" have little regard for property.

The Guardian

"We cannot bar only Jews from building in a certain section of the city.

The New York Times

If several people recommend cutting a certain section, strongly consider making the cut.

WikiHow

"Urban India may criticize it," Kirat Rawel said, "but there is a certain section of India that believes in it".

The New York Times

Of course publishers will seek to group together writers who might appeal to a certain section of the market.

The Guardian - Books

The story was later denied, but not before a certain section of the world decided that this was an outrage.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain section", ensure that the context makes it clear what the section is part of. Providing additional information can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain section" without providing enough context. If the reader doesn't understand what the section belongs to, the phrase becomes vague and unhelpful. Specify the document, area, or topic to which the section relates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain section" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular but not explicitly named part of something. Ludwig examples show its use in referring to parts of documents, geographical areas, or groups of people, confirming its role in indicating a specific subsection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain section" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to refer to a specific, but perhaps not explicitly identified, part of something. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correct usage in English. It is employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, wikis, and science, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Remember to provide sufficient context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "a specific part" or "a designated area" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular part

Replaces "section" with "part", emphasizing a specific element.

a specific segment

Uses "segment" instead of "section", implying a distinct division.

a defined portion

Highlights the act of defining or specifying the part in question.

a distinct division

Highlights the clear separation of the section from the rest.

a designated area

Focuses on a physical space or region rather than a conceptual portion.

a given segment

Emphasizes that the segment is already decided or established.

a selected component

Suggests that the section has been chosen or picked out.

a discrete chunk

Implies a separate and distinct piece or fragment.

a precise allocation

Emphasizes that a specific share is assigned to someone/something.

a restricted zone

Specifies area that is bounded for some reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain section" to refer to a specific part of something, for example, "I need to review "a certain section" of the report before the meeting."

What's the difference between "a certain section" and "a particular section"?

While both phrases are similar, "a certain section" implies a specific but perhaps not explicitly identified part, whereas "a particular section" emphasizes that you are singling out a specific part for attention.

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

You can use alternatives like "a specific part", "a designated area", or "a defined portion" depending on the context.

Is it formal to use "a certain section"?

"A certain section" is appropriate in most contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, you might consider more precise language such as "a specific segment" or "a designated area".