about certain people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about certain people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics, opinions, or information related to specific individuals or groups. Example: "The documentary is about certain people who have made significant contributions to the field of science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Scores of alumni and faculty have interacted at the College over the years, so one might wonder what there is about certain people that forms a lasting impression upon others and makes them part of a legacy.

Huffington Post

She further stated: "That's the funny thing - it's not about that chapter in my life, people think that certain songs are about certain people and there is only one song about that time in my life and that song is 'By the Grace of God'".

Wikipedia

He also paid users $100 in exchange for photos and information about certain people.

Independent

I miss certain people, or feel sad about certain people, which is different, I think".

The New Yorker

I have no regrets but I learnt a lot about certain people tonight.

The Guardian - Sport

And I got to thinking about what it is to know that — or believe that — about certain people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I have no theories about why certain people have addictive personalities or what sets them off.

The New York Times - Tech

The New Yorker, January 23 , 1971P. 26 Talk story about what certain people were doing at 11 a.m. on Jan . 12

The New Yorker

By Susan Sheehan The New Yorker, January 23 , 1971P. 26 Talk story about what certain people were doing at 11 a.m. on Jan . 12

The New Yorker

For "The Survivors Club," about why certain people get out of life-threatening situations, he was strapped into a seat and flipped upside down in a pool, required to unbuckle his harness underwater and swim to air.

The New York Times

She sometimes has "really strong opinions about whether certain people should have kids," said the devotee, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being identified as a dissenter within the community.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "about certain people" with a descriptive phrase or clause that specifies the characteristic or role that makes them relevant to the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "about certain people" without providing enough context. Ambiguity can arise if the reader cannot easily understand which individuals are being referenced or why they are significant to the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about certain people" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to provide more specific information about a noun or clause. Ludwig shows it commonly introduces topics or opinions related to specific individuals or groups.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about certain people" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to specific individuals or groups. Ludwig AI indicates it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in wiki articles. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "regarding specific individuals". To ensure clarity, always provide sufficient context to identify who these "certain people" are. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "about certain people" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning particular individuals

Similar to the original phrase, but substitutes 'certain' with 'particular' and 'about' with 'concerning', maintaining a similar level of formality.

regarding specific individuals

Replaces 'about certain people' with a more formal tone using 'regarding' and 'specific'.

in reference to specific persons

Offers a clear and direct way to state that the discussion is about specific individuals.

concerning known individuals

Highlights that the people being referred to are already known or identified.

regarding designated individuals

Emphasizes that the individuals in question have been specifically chosen or identified.

regarding selected individuals

Indicates that the people have been chosen from a larger group.

in relation to specific people

Uses 'in relation to' to provide a slightly different perspective while still focusing on specific individuals.

in connection with specific persons

Formally highlights the link or association with the individuals being discussed.

with respect to certain individuals

A more formal and cautious way of indicating a focus on specific people.

pertaining to particular figures

Replaces 'people' with 'figures' to indicate individuals of note or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "about certain people" in a sentence?

Use "about certain people" to introduce a discussion or statement concerning a specific group of individuals. For example, "The investigation revealed new information about certain people involved in the scandal."

What's a more formal alternative to "about certain people"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "regarding specific individuals" or "concerning particular individuals".

Is it better to specify names instead of saying "about certain people"?

Whenever possible, specifying names is preferable for clarity. However, "about certain people" can be useful when you need to refer to a group without naming individuals, perhaps due to privacy or ongoing investigations.

What is the difference between "about certain people" and "about other people"?

"About certain people" implies a focus on a defined, specific group, while "about other people" suggests a broader comparison or differentiation from a previously mentioned group. Consider rewording your sentence with "about other people".