certain around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain around" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used, as it lacks context and proper grammatical structure. Example: "There is a certain around of uncertainty in the air." (This example is incorrect.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This much is certain: around 1993, his graffiti began appearing on trains and walls around Bristol; by 2001, his blocky spray-painted signature had cropped up all over the United Kingdom, eliciting both civic hand-wringing and comparisons to Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.

The New Yorker

This is a form otherwise only seen in the very last of the group, so this skull shape may have evolved more than once and was certain around a good 10m years earlier than previously suspected.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fathers are also entitled to a "father's month" off under certain conditions; around 35% take it.

The Guardian

For those of a certain age (around 40-years old and onwards), the 'compact cassette' was a wonderful thing.

Forbes

If you're not willing to have certain animals around, then make sure that you provide some alternative suggestions.

WikiHow

I even still retain some geekiness around certain small policies around electoral reform!

Huffington Post

"There was a certain buzz around it, an aura.

The New York Times - Style

But when enrollment gets to a certain number, around 200, you're on a respirator".

The New York Times - Sports

Now, kitchen-brewed tonic is a badge of honor at certain places around the country.

The New York Times - Food

The letters a, b, c, and d are used to indicate certain locations around the circuit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You attract certain people around you and you get a weird kind of underground kudos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "certain around" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "certain of" or "sure about" to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Common error

A common mistake is pairing "certain" with an incorrect preposition, such as "around". Always double-check the preposition following "certain"; "of" and "about" are generally the correct choices. For example, instead of saying 'I'm certain around that,' say 'I'm "certain of" that' or 'I'm "sure about" that'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain around" functions as an adjective followed by a preposition, but its usage is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is non-standard and suggests using more appropriate alternatives. The provided examples show varied contexts, but do not establish consistent grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain around" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this assessment, highlighting its non-standard usage. While examples can be found across various sources, including news media and wikis, using alternatives such as ""certain of"" or ""sure about"" is advisable to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. When aiming to convey assurance or confidence, opting for these established alternatives enhances the precision and credibility of your writing. Therefore, it's best to avoid "certain around" in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain of

Indicates a state of being without any doubt about something; substitutes "around" with "of" to create correct expression.

sure about

Emphasizes confidence or knowledge regarding a specific topic or situation; uses a preposition to connect the adjective to its object.

confident regarding

Highlights a strong belief or assurance related to something; utilizes a more formal preposition.

convinced of

Stresses a state of being fully persuaded or assured about something; uses a preposition to indicate the object of conviction.

definite about

Expresses a clear and unambiguous stance on a particular issue; replaces "certain" with a synonym and uses appropriate preposition.

positive concerning

Highlights an optimistic or assured attitude related to something; uses a more formal preposition.

assured regarding

Emphasizes a feeling of confidence and certainty related to a specific matter; uses a more formal alternative to "about".

undeniable in relation to

Indicates something is unquestionably true or evident when considered in connection with a particular context; dramatically changes structure for emphasis.

beyond doubt concerning

Stresses that something is unequivocally true and without any uncertainty when it comes to something; changes structure for a more emphatic tone.

without question about

Indicates that there is no uncertainty or doubt about a particular issue; uses a longer phrase for emphasis.

FAQs

Is "certain around" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "certain around" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's more appropriate to use phrases like ""certain of"" or ""sure about"".

When is it appropriate to use "certain around"?

The phrase "certain around" doesn't have established usage in standard English. Using alternatives like ""certain of"" or ""sure about"" is advisable for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "certain around"?

Better alternatives include ""certain of"", ""sure about"", "confident about", or "convinced of", depending on the intended meaning.

How does the meaning change when using "certain of" instead of "certain around"?

Using ""certain of"" provides a grammatically correct way to express assurance or confidence about something, unlike "certain around", which lacks standard usage and meaning. It ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.