a certain trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific trend that is not explicitly named or when discussing trends in a general sense. Example: "In recent years, there has been a certain trend towards remote work among many companies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"We are not having to write to cater to a certain trend," Mr. Taupin said.

The New York Times - Arts

Higgins disputed this, saying that such indicators have been falling for less time and are not yet a certain trend.

The Guardian

Wild cards refer to sudden and unique incidents that can constitute turning points in the evolution of a certain trend.

Futures

Instead of a tight statement, a closed system, you have a broad sense of a certain trend in art: counterindividualistic, countersubjective, counter-virtuosic; in short, counter-Chelsea 2005.

The New York Times

Mr. Delannoy had worked in the film industry for two decades when in 1954 François Truffaut, then a 21-year-old critic for the film journal Cahiers du Cinéma, wrote his controversial article entitled "A Certain Trend in French Film".

The New York Times

I like to design clothes for a woman who plays a particular role in life, not simply to design clothes that follow a certain trend, or that express some new silhouette".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Using hashtags of already-trending topics will increase the chances of people subscribing to your account because your name and your tweet will appear on the list of related posts about a certain trending topic.

WikiHow

But since having two sons (Rafferty, two-and-three-quarters, and Max, five months), I've been doing my best to resist a certain "non-trend" trend that is sweeping our nation like a posh popcorn habit: Mum Dressing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation PLOO), Yasser Abed Rabbo, alleged that al-Jazeera was engaged in "media games... to trick and mislead the simple citizen" and was working for a "certain political trend" - a reference to the Palestinian Islamist movement, Hamas, which controls Gaza.

BBC

Or, it might signal a newfound appreciation of the power of Wodehouse's levity to combat — and outlast — moments in history when affairs have taken on "a certain menacing trend," as Jeeves once put it; when, as Bertie sees it, "the blue bird had thrown in the towel". The pages of Wodehouse contain an "empire of comic writing on which the sun has never set," Schott writes.

The New York Times - Books

According to (6) and (7), whether the amplitude varies with a certain directional trend could be used as the key discriminative characteristic to identify the oscillation properties.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain trend", consider whether specifying the trend more precisely would enhance clarity for your audience. Being specific can add credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain trend" as a placeholder for a trend you don't fully understand or haven't thoroughly researched. This can weaken your argument and suggest a lack of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain trend" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun. It identifies a particular pattern or direction without explicitly naming or defining it. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

48%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain trend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a recognizable pattern or direction, as verified by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure context provides sufficient clarity to readers. Alternatives such as "a discernible pattern" or "a noticeable tendency" can offer more precise descriptions. It appears most commonly in scientific and news-related contexts. By avoiding overgeneralization and ensuring adequate specificity, you can effectively leverage "a certain trend" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a discernible pattern

Focuses on the ease with which the trend can be observed.

a noticeable tendency

Highlights the inclination towards a particular behavior or outcome.

a specific direction

Emphasizes the path or course that something is following.

a clear inclination

Stresses the distinct preference or leaning in a particular way.

a developing movement

Suggests a groundswell of change or activity.

an emerging pattern

Focuses on the initial stages of a trend becoming visible.

a prevailing fashion

Refers specifically to trends in style or popularity.

a growing popularity

Highlights the increase in acceptance or adoption of something.

a notable shift

Implies a significant change in direction or approach.

a recognized development

Highlights that the trend has been acknowledged or identified.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain trend" to refer to a pattern or direction that is noticeable but not necessarily named explicitly. For example: "There's "a certain trend" towards sustainable living in urban areas."

What phrases are similar to "a certain trend"?

Alternatives include "a discernible pattern", "a noticeable tendency", or "an emerging pattern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "a certain trend"?

While "a certain trend" is grammatically correct, being more specific about the trend can improve clarity and strengthen your argument. Consider whether naming the trend directly would be more effective.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a certain trend"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge a trend without needing to define it precisely, or when the trend is widely understood in the context. However, avoid vagueness; ensure your audience understands the "a certain trend" you're referencing.