a certain variety

USAGE SUMMARY

"a certain variety" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a specific type of item or concept that you wish to describe but not specify. For example, "I passed by a store selling a certain variety of jewelry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Me and Sam are nerds of a certain variety.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For the time being, however, a certain variety of authenticity is still possible.

The New York Times - Travel

Might be a certain variety of chili pepper which has a sweetness in the stem.

The New Yorker

Today, a certain variety of male is discovering contemporary dandyism and giving it their own signature look.

Independent

With just the click of a button, you can find out if a certain variety is overfished or has high levels of mercury.

The New York Times

Granny planted a certain variety of corn (always Golden Queen) in a certain red-dirt upland field, and hoed, fertilized, and harvested it according to accepted gardening practices.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The court also revealed that originalism of a certain variety--an originalism tethered to the original expected applications of constitutional concepts--is incapable of keeping government officials within constitutional limits today.

Huffington Post

The change may be bittersweet for a certain weird variety of Internet nostalgist, but in most other senses it's probably for the best: it's a fantastically annoying bit of code and shouldn't exist at all.

The New Yorker

To my taste, its Soaves are among the best Italian whites — a category that doesn't get the respect it deserves, either because of the preponderance of red wine production in Italy or the malign influence of a certain grape variety.

The New York Times - Food

Designed for in the field use, the handheld device can distinguish substances characteristic of a certain wine variety.

TechCrunch

This complex of contextual factors explains how a text is a vehicle for a certain semantic variety, an ideological orientation towards the events being reported.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain variety" when you want to refer to a specific type without explicitly naming it, maintaining a level of generality or discretion.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain variety" too frequently in your writing; it can make your text sound vague. If the specific type is relevant, provide more detail to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain variety" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a specific, but unnamed, type or category. It is used to suggest a particular kind of something without explicitly identifying it. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain variety" is a grammatically correct and commonly used determiner phrase that serves to specify a type or kind without explicitly naming it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure it adds value by intentionally obscuring a detail, and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. Consider alternatives like "a specific type" or "a particular kind" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific type

Focuses more on the exactness of the category.

a particular kind

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the category.

a given form

Highlights that the type is already established or known.

a certain strain

Implies some similarity, but changes the noun.

a select class

Suggests a more exclusive or refined category.

a definite sort

Indicates a clear and unambiguous category.

a precise strain

Implies a carefully defined or cultivated type.

a distinct genre

Refers to a recognized category within arts or culture.

a specialized breed

Typically used for animals or plants that have been selectively bred.

a unique category

Stresses the individuality and uniqueness of the type.

FAQs

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

You can use "a certain variety" to refer to a specific type of something without naming it directly. For example, "The shop sells "a certain variety" of imported cheese".

What's the difference between ""a certain variety"" and "a specific variety"?

While both phrases are similar, ""a certain variety"" may imply that the speaker knows the type but chooses not to disclose it, whereas "a specific variety" simply emphasizes that it's not just any type.

Which is better, ""a certain variety"" or "a particular variety"?

Both ""a certain variety"" and "a particular variety" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Are there contexts where using ""a certain variety"" would be inappropriate?

Yes, if precise details are needed or expected by the audience, using ""a certain variety"" might be too vague. In such cases, providing the exact type is more suitable.