certain articles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain articles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific items or pieces of writing that are not named but are understood in context. Example: "The report discusses certain articles that highlight the importance of environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

changes to certain Articles of the ECB's Statute (Article 129(4) TFEU).

European Parliament

(Certain articles in other sections will work well, too).

The New York Times

It is a strange thing how certain articles linger.

The Guardian - Music

Contains: copy of certain Articles of Confession of Faith (c.

Cornell University

Such reporters will write certain articles that will be viewed as unfavorable by some sources.

The New York Times

"How do you know they are not paid to select certain articles over others?

The New York Times - Health

Certain articles from The Financial Times, The Associated Press and Reuters already appear regularly on nytimes.com.

The New York Times

The Seigenthaler case prompted Wikipedia to prohibit unregistered users from editing certain articles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, so you know, I do bring certain articles of belief to this.

The New York Times

There were certain articles I couldn't finish, even though I was unable to think of anything else.

The New Yorker

Fast attaining the status of instant cliche, stories about teen-age thrill killers depend on certain articles of faith.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain articles" when you want to refer to specific items without explicitly naming them, relying on the context to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain articles" excessively in formal writing where more precise language would improve clarity. Replace with specific titles or descriptions when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain articles" functions as a determiner + noun. It identifies a subset of articles from a larger group, implying a degree of specificity without explicitly naming them. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain articles" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s considered grammatically correct and serves the purpose of referring to specific, yet unnamed, items within a broader category. It is used in a neutral register and is particularly common in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. While acceptable across various forms of writing, more precise language may be preferable in formal contexts to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "specific articles" or "select articles" can offer more nuanced meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific articles

Replaces "certain" with "specific", indicating a more precise selection.

particular articles

Uses "particular" to emphasize individual items within a larger group.

select articles

Implies a deliberate choice of articles based on specific criteria.

designated articles

Suggests that the articles have been officially chosen or appointed for a purpose.

specified articles

Indicates articles that have been clearly and explicitly identified.

some articles

A more general alternative indicating an unspecified number of articles.

certain pieces

Replaces "articles" with "pieces", broadening the scope to include non-written works.

relevant articles

Emphasizes the pertinence of the articles to a particular topic or situation.

pertinent articles

Similar to 'relevant', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on directness and significance.

respective articles

Refers to articles that are related to specific individuals or groups.

FAQs

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

Use "certain articles" when you want to refer to specific items without explicitly naming them. For example, "The study analyzed "certain articles" published in the journal last year."

What are some alternatives to "certain articles"?

You can use alternatives such as "specific articles", "particular articles", or "select articles" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "certain articles" or name the articles directly?

Naming the articles directly is preferable for clarity in formal contexts. Use "certain articles" when the specific items are understood from the context or when naming them is unnecessary.

What does "certain articles" imply about the articles being referred to?

"Certain articles" implies that there's a specific, though unnamed, set of articles being considered. It suggests a degree of selection or relevance, without detailing the exact criteria.