a certain type of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain type of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific example or kind of something that you can't quite pinpoint. For example, "There is a certain type of beauty found in nature that can't be replicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A certain type of author.

The New York Times - Books

She's a certain type of candidate.

The Guardian

It's all a certain type of book.

The Guardian - Books

A certain type of dependency is mandatory.

The New York Times

Of a certain type of actor.

The Guardian - Film

That wields a certain type of power.

The Guardian - Film

It takes a certain type of character to be freelance.

The Guardian

Too in-your-face for a certain type of Tory.

The Guardian

It takes a certain type of person to do this.

The Guardian

"It takes a certain type of person to do it.

The Guardian

Roland's clothes make you into a certain type of person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain type of" when you want to be somewhat vague or when the specific type isn't important to identify precisely. It suggests that while you're referring to a distinct category, the details aren't the main focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain type of" excessively in formal writing where precision is crucial. In those cases, opt for more specific language to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain type of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically as a pre-modifier, which precedes a noun to specify or describe it. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is used to indicate a particular category or kind without being overly specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain type of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific category or kind without necessarily being explicit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While prevalent in news and media, it's suitable for both formal and informal writing. For enhanced precision in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a specific kind of" or "a particular type of". As Ludwig's analysis suggests, this phrase is a valuable tool for general categorization while maintaining a degree of vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular kind of

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the kind being referred to.

a specific variety of

Highlights the variation within a broader category.

a given form of

Suggests a predetermined or established form.

a definite sort of

Implies a clear and well-defined sort.

a characteristic style of

Focuses on the unique style associated with the type.

a distinctive brand of

Highlights the unique attributes of the type.

a singular class of

Emphasizes the unique status of the class being specified.

a marked category of

Indicates a notable and distinct category.

a precise nature of

Suggests that the type can be explicitly and accurately stated.

a select grade of

Implies choosing the type that is better or more suitable than others.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain type of" in a sentence?

Use "a certain type of" to refer to a specific, but not necessarily named, category or kind of something. For example, "A certain type of music makes me feel relaxed".

What are some alternatives to "a certain type of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a particular kind of", "a specific variety of", or "a definite sort of".

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

It's appropriate when you want to indicate that something belongs to a specific category without needing to identify that category precisely. It is also helpful when the specific details of that category are not necessarily relevant to the main point.

Is "a certain type of" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, more precise language may be preferred to avoid ambiguity. A more formal alternative could be "a specific kind of".