a certain trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific path or course of development, often in contexts related to progress, change, or movement. Example: "The project is expected to follow a certain trajectory that aligns with our long-term goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They may want to shape it a certain way or create a certain trajectory".

The New York Times - Sports

"People would say to me, 'One day you'll understand why God did this to you.' I was like, 'Not my God.'  " As far as the damage to her career from the accident, "it would have been unnatural to not have felt some angst about being on a certain trajectory and having the pause button pushed and not being able to pick up exactly where I left off," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

As time goes on, a series of paths will be built up while the MMN moves along a certain trajectory.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It contains location-known access points, peer nodes serving as anchor nodes, and one multi-RAT target mobile moving according to a certain trajectory.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Furthermore, it is based on the behavior of winged UAVs which have to follow a certain trajectory instead of a helicopter drone which hover over a certain location.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We discuss the problem of simultaneous dynamical stabilization and suppression of transverse and longitudinal vibrations of the space tethered system deployed along a certain trajectory.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Nodes follow a certain deterministic trajectory that is defined as a function of time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The semblance value of a certain hyperbolic trajectory in seismic traces is applied as a weighting factor of the conventional migration to enhance the imaging results (Hollman et al. 1999).

Earth, Planets and Space

During childhood, as in many other cognitive functions, attention follows a certain developmental trajectory in which RTs and errors decrease with age [ 53].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Given a certain parameter trajectory, it is important to analyze how reliable and consistent its path is to eventually draw conclusions about potential molecular adaptations that could have taken place.

BMC Systems Biology

These endeavours focus on the integration of palliative care either early in a certain disease trajectory and/or in the organisation of care, by collaboration and consultation with experienced (palliative) care services and specialists [ 14, 15].

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain trajectory", consider whether "certain" accurately conveys the level of specificity you intend. If the trajectory is well-defined, alternatives like "specific" or "predetermined" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain trajectory" when the path is completely unknown or highly variable. "Certain" implies some level of predictability; if the path is truly uncertain, consider phrases like "a possible trajectory" or "a potential path".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain trajectory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "trajectory" is the head noun and "certain" acts as a determiner, modifying the noun. This phrase describes a particular path or course that something follows. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from personal development to scientific processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a certain trajectory" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a somewhat predictable path or course of development. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. While its frequency is relatively uncommon, proper usage involves ensuring that "certain" accurately reflects the intended level of predictability. When a more precise description is needed, alternatives like "specific course" or "predetermined path" may be more suitable. This analysis offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and effectively utilizing "a certain trajectory" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific course

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing the particularity of the path.

a particular path

Similar to "a specific course", but uses "particular" to highlight a distinct route.

a predetermined path

Highlights the fact that the trajectory was decided in advance.

a defined route

Focuses on the clarity and predetermination of the path.

a fixed path

Suggests that the path is unchanging and unyielding.

a set direction

Emphasizes the established nature of the direction.

an established course

Implies that the course is recognized and accepted.

a planned course of action

Extends the meaning to include deliberate actions taken along the path.

a typical development

Shifts the focus to a standard pattern of growth or evolution.

a projected outcome

Focuses on the end result that the trajectory is expected to produce.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain trajectory" to describe a specific path or course that something follows. For example, "The company's growth followed "a certain trajectory", leading to significant market share".

What are some alternatives to "a certain trajectory"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a specific course", "a particular path", or "a defined route".

Is it more appropriate to say "a specific trajectory" or "a certain trajectory"?

"A specific trajectory" emphasizes the distinctness of the path, while "a certain trajectory" suggests a degree of predictability or predetermination. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. You may prefer "a specific trajectory" in technical context, and "a certain trajectory" to evoke a sense of fate.

When is it not appropriate to use "a certain trajectory"?

Avoid using "a certain trajectory" when the path is entirely unknown or random. In such cases, phrases like "a possible path" or "an unpredictable course" would be more accurate.