a certain sector

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain sector" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific area or division within a larger context, often in business, economics, or industry discussions. Example: "In recent years, a certain sector of the economy has shown remarkable growth, particularly in technology and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The idea is increasingly popular among a certain sector of the higher-education community.

The New Yorker

One merely has to bring up Grahame's novel and a certain sector of British society swoons.

The New York Times - Arts

He has a friendlier vision, which in a certain sector of the restaurant world amounts to a radical one.

The New York Times - Books

The Clarkes are well aware that they may be branded "scroungers" by a certain sector of society.

The Guardian - Money

So if you want complete coverage of a certain sector, you need to select your supplier carefully.

Harvard Business Review

The missions of experts are thus directed either to the postal services in general or to a certain sector of postal activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would appear that a certain sector of British society may have entered the middle-class, parental Twilight Zone of competitive neuroticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you're arrested for anything more than a traffic offence and you're from a certain sector of society, there's a 50/50 chance you'll get thrashed.

Independent

This year we have to decide if to concentrate on a certain sector or remain as an agency that deals with all industries.

The Guardian

Currently, the IPCC framework of inventories is mostly sector-based, within which the emission from a certain sector is estimated as an aggregated volume based on statistical yearbooks.

Journal of Cleaner Production

"I think that will appeal to a certain sector of society, people that want to adventure and live on the edge".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain sector", ensure the context clearly identifies the larger area the sector belongs to. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain sector" without providing enough context to understand which sector you are referring to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain sector" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, modifying the noun "sector". Ludwig AI indicates it's commonly used to specify a particular segment within a broader context without explicitly naming it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain sector" is a versatile term used to denote a specific segment within a larger field or industry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a particular sector" or "a specific sector" can be used to add emphasis or clarity. While highly prevalent, mindful usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular sector

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific and distinct area.

a specific sector

Substitutes "certain" with "specific", highlighting a clearly defined area.

a given sector

Replaces "certain" with "given", implying a sector that is already known or established.

a defined sector

Substitutes "certain" with "defined", emphasizing the clarity and boundaries of the area.

a designated sector

Replaces "certain" with "designated", implying a sector that has been officially assigned or chosen.

a select sector

Substitutes "certain" with "select", implying a carefully chosen or preferred area.

a distinct sector

Replaces "certain" with "distinct", emphasizing the unique characteristics of the area.

a targeted sector

Substitutes "certain" with "targeted", implying a focus or specific intention towards that area.

a portion of the sector

Expands the phrase to include "portion of", indicating a part of a larger sector.

a segment of the industry

Replaces "sector" with "industry", broadening the scope to a larger economic division.

FAQs

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

Use "a certain sector" to refer to a specific, but perhaps not explicitly named, part of a larger industry, economy, or field. For instance, "a certain sector of the technology industry is experiencing rapid growth".

What are some alternatives to "a certain sector"?

You can use alternatives like "a particular sector", "a specific sector", or "a given sector" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to refer to a part of an industry or field without being overly specific, or when the specific sector is understood from the context. It adds a level of generality while still indicating a focused area.

What's the difference between "a certain sector" and "a specific sector"?

"A certain sector" implies the sector is known or understood but not necessarily named. "A specific sector" indicates a clearly defined and identifiable area.