a certain solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific solution that is not explicitly named or when the speaker wants to imply that there are multiple solutions but is focusing on one in particular. Example: "After analyzing the problem, we found a certain solution that seemed to address the main issues effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Ask how he arrived at a certain solution or idea.'' While explaining, he may spot flaws in his logic himself.

The New York Times

If a certain solution has a large market share and not enough competition, you can definitely create a successful business.

The New York Times

This design uses the ion-selective electrode method to measure the pH, or the ion concentration of a certain solution.

Procedia Engineering

It is not that we believe or have the opinion that a certain solution is correct — we prove it scientifically one way or another.

The New York Times

If the arrival of the Germans seemed at first yet one more problem, like extra mildew and blight, it also provided a certain solution: the invaders compulsorily purchased millions of bottles of wine.

The New Yorker

At different times during the episode, when a certain solution emerges, or when I want the opinion of people to be recorded, I invite people to give a missed call on a toll-free number.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Further, if the objective function value of a certain candidate solution meets the aspiration criterion, the current solution is replaced by this candidate solution and added to the Tabu list.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

When you first encounter a problem, certain solutions immediately burst to the fore.

Harvard Business Review

Based on the experimental results, a certain dye solution is specially designed, which demonstrates an extremely fast photobleaching effect with a half-life decay time of about 55 μs.

Measurement

Both wires and conducting surfaces in thick-film technology were used as potentiometric electrodes and the emf of each electrode in contact with a certain aqueous solution was used as input signal for a PCA analysis.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Therefore, they were solely related to a certain "optimal" solution associated with the application of the minimum-norm/least-squares inverses to an Eigen matrix obtained from the factorization process [11].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain solution" when you want to refer to a specific solution without explicitly naming it, implying that there might be other solutions but you're focusing on one.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain solution" excessively in formal writing where precision is key. In such cases, it's better to be specific and clearly identify the solution you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain solution" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "solution". It refers to a solution that is specific but not explicitly named. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain solution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase. It refers to a specific but unspecified solution, often implying shared knowledge or a desire to avoid unnecessary detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like ""a specific solution"" or ""a particular solution"" may offer more precision in formal settings, "a certain solution" provides a versatile way to reference a solution without explicitly defining it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular solution

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing a specific solution among others.

a specific solution

Uses "specific" instead of "certain", directly indicating a defined and clear solution.

a given solution

Substitutes "certain" with "given", suggesting a solution that is already known or provided.

a designated solution

Employs "designated" to imply a solution that has been officially chosen or assigned.

a prescribed solution

Replaces "certain" with "prescribed", indicating a solution that is recommended or required.

a defined solution

Uses "defined" to emphasize that the solution is clearly outlined and understood.

a set solution

Substitutes "certain" with "set", implying a solution that is fixed or predetermined.

a known solution

Replaces "certain" with "known", suggesting the solution is already recognized or established.

an established solution

Uses "established" instead of "certain", emphasizing the solution's proven track record.

a selected solution

Substitutes "certain" with "selected", implying a solution chosen from multiple options.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain solution" when referring to a specific solution without explicitly naming it. For example, "After analyzing the data, we implemented "a certain solution" that addressed the core issues."

What are some alternatives to "a certain solution"?

Alternatives include "a specific solution", "a particular solution", or "a given solution", depending on the context.

Is "a certain solution" formal or informal?

"A certain solution" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. In highly formal or technical writing, it may be preferable to use more precise language.

When is it appropriate to use "a certain solution" instead of naming the solution directly?

Use "a certain solution" when the specific details of the solution are not the primary focus, or when you want to avoid being overly specific for brevity or confidentiality. It can also be used when the solution is implied but not explicitly stated.