a certain thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is specific but not named, or to indicate uncertainty or vagueness. For example: - "There's a certain thing about her that I can't quite put my finger on." - "He knows a thing or two about a certain thing called love." - "I have a feeling that there's a certain thing missing from this recipe." - "She has a way of saying things that always hits a certain thing in my heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reality does a certain thing.

The New York Times - Arts

You wanted a certain thing and you thought Keith".

The New Yorker

You may think a certain thing is completely without interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some people are born for a certain thing.

The Guardian - Sport

They see a certain thing, and they catch it.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's a certain thing about nature which I love.

The New York Times - Science

"There's a certain thing gospel players do," Moran said.

The New Yorker

And being liked if you're female means a certain thing.

The Guardian - Books

If you were a certain age, you should be able to do a certain thing.

The Guardian

She wants to tell me how much she loved a certain thing.

The New York Times

I never really think about taking on an issue or writing about a certain thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain thing" when referring to something specific but intentionally keeping it unnamed, or when the exact nature is unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain thing" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Opt for more specific terms to enhance clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain thing" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying an object or idea that is not precisely defined or named. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it introduces an element of vagueness or generality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain thing" is a versatile phrase used to refer to something specific in a non-specific way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, although it suggests that more precise language may be preferable in formal contexts. Its frequency is very common across various sources, including news, wikis, and scientific articles. Related phrases, such as ""a particular item"" or ""a specific aspect"", can offer more clarity depending on the intended meaning. When writing, it’s advisable to use "a certain thing" when you don't need to be overly specific or when the precise detail is unimportant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular item

Specifies a single, identifiable item, similar to "a certain thing" but with a slightly more concrete implication.

a specific aspect

Focuses on a defined element or feature of something, where "a certain thing" is more general.

a given point

Emphasizes a pre-established or understood idea, unlike the vagueness sometimes implied by "a certain thing".

a definite factor

Highlights something concrete and influential, in contrast to the potentially less impactful "a certain thing".

a known entity

Indicates something recognized or familiar, adding clarity not always present in "a certain thing".

a precise detail

Refers to a clearly defined element, making it more exact than "a certain thing".

a select detail

Indicates a conscious choice. "A certain thing" does not convey the same level of intentional selection.

a specific feature

Highlights something with distinct qualities, different from the more ambiguous "a certain thing".

a peculiar detail

Focuses on an unusual or distinct quality, setting it apart from the more neutral "a certain thing".

an element

Signifies a necessary or constituent part, contrasting with the less essential feel of "a certain thing".

FAQs

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

Use "a certain thing" when you want to refer to something specific without explicitly naming it. For example, "There's "a certain thing" about her personality that makes her stand out".

What are some alternatives to "a certain thing"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a certain thing" with "a particular item", "a specific aspect", or "a given point".

Is it always appropriate to use "a certain thing" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "a certain thing" can sometimes sound vague. In formal writing, consider using more precise language to enhance clarity.

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

"A particular thing" implies a specific item or detail, whereas "a certain thing" can be used more broadly to refer to something without needing to be as precisely defined.