certain boys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain boys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific group of boys without identifying them explicitly. Example: "Certain boys in the class have shown exceptional talent in sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Certain boys dominate the classrooms in mixed situations.

The Guardian

But certain boys are drawn to this stuff just as fiercely.

Independent

It's 1984, and now "for certain boys in Chicago, the sons of lawyers," things have changed: "Forget the bar mitzvah".

The New York Times - Books

Except that, somewhere toward the end of elementary school, certain boys started to interest me in ways I didn't entirely understand.

Independent

She mentioned cases of college girls who hazed younger ones by compelling them to have sex with or give oral sex to certain boys on campus.

The New York Times

You felt it as a depth of ease around certain boys, their innate, affable assurance that they would not have to struggle for a place in the world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Ask, what would you expect if I called a certain boy an Edward?

The New York Times

There was the feeling I got when a certain boy from class took the seat next to me.

Independent

Is Zayn implying that a certain Boy who is sometimes Naughty had something to do with the video leak?

Independent

He is known to wake up in the morning and say the spirit told him a certain boy and a certain girl in his army had unsanctioned sex.

The New Yorker

Number six is the first appearance of a certain boy wizard, a story that takes us back to the heady excitement of the last ever Harry Potter book.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain boys" when you want to refer to a specific group without explicitly naming or defining them, allowing for a degree of ambiguity or generality.

Common error

Avoid using "certain boys" repeatedly in close proximity; vary your language to maintain clarity and interest. Instead of saying, "Certain boys were late. Certain boys didn't do their homework," try, "Some boys were late, and others didn't do their homework."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain boys" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "boys". It serves to specify a subset of boys from a larger group, without explicitly identifying which ones. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain boys" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a specific, yet undefined, group of boys. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across a variety of contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of specificity required by your audience and to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "specific boys" or "some boys" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki and Science, this phrase serves the purpose of referring to a subgroup without needing explicit identification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific boys

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing a clearly defined group.

particular boys

Uses "particular" instead of "certain", indicating a distinct subset.

some boys

Employs "some" to denote an unspecified but limited number of boys.

a few boys

Indicates a small number of boys with the use of "a few".

select boys

Highlights a chosen group of boys using "select".

designated boys

Refers to boys who have been assigned or chosen for a purpose.

identified boys

Uses "identified" to emphasize that the boys have been recognized or distinguished.

certain young men

Substitutes "boys" with "young men", suitable for older boys or young adults.

those boys

Uses "those" to refer to a group of boys already known or mentioned.

several boys

Indicates more than a few, but not many, boys.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain boys" to refer to a specific, though not necessarily explicitly identified, group. For example: "Certain boys in the class were chosen for the lead roles."

What's a good alternative to "certain boys"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specific boys", "particular boys", or "some boys" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it too vague to use "certain boys" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, it's better to be as specific as possible. If the context allows, try replacing "certain boys" with a more descriptive phrase.

What's the difference between "certain boys" and "some boys"?

"Certain boys" implies a more defined, though still unspecified, group, while "some boys" is more general and indicates an indefinite quantity. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.