certain conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific discussion or dialogue that is known or understood in context. Example: "During the meeting, we had a certain conversation about the project's future direction that I found particularly insightful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Dedicated fans of popular music have a certain conversation at least once a year.

The New Yorker

"When you create a certain conversation on the Web, you create a community," he said.

The New York Times

Often, when the grocery store is empty and all you can hear is the buzzing of… Dedicated fans of popular music have a certain conversation at least once a year.

The New Yorker

All the latest messages in a certain conversation are stored in one place.

TechCrunch

In considering so we account for the upper bound of awareness over a certain conversation in the whole population (see Figure 1 for illustration).

EPJ Data Science

Taglocity 2.0 can bring all emails related to a certain conversation in a single viewer in blog-like chronological order, and enables you to group them together.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Certain conversations or e-mail messages escaped her, she said.

The New York Times

"In certain conversations, what should I have said?

The Guardian - Business

"I couldn't finish it, but I have left that detail out in certain conversations".

The New York Times

Even now, press is more enjoyable because I don't have to have certain conversations.

The Guardian

But certain conversations in those days required the sacramental blessing conferred by smoldering nicotine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain conversation" when you want to refer to a specific, previously mentioned, or contextually understood dialogue, rather than any conversation in general.

Common error

Avoid using "certain conversation" when the specific conversation isn't clear to the reader or listener. If the conversation hasn't been previously established, it's better to use a more descriptive phrase or provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain conversation" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "conversation". It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a specific instance of dialogue that is understood within a given context, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain conversation" refers to a specific or particular dialogue that is known within a given context. Ludwig's analysis shows that it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase, most commonly found in news and media. While not overly frequent, it serves a useful purpose in referencing a particular exchange. Alternatives like "specific discussion" and "particular dialogue" can be used for more formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the key is to ensure that the context makes clear which conversation is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific discussion

Replaces "conversation" with a more formal term, "discussion", emphasizing a planned or structured exchange.

particular dialogue

Substitutes "conversation" with "dialogue", highlighting a back-and-forth exchange between two or more people.

definite talk

Emphasizes the clarity and defined nature of the conversation.

a given exchange

Focuses on the act of exchanging information or ideas that is pre-defined.

a designated chat

Highlights that the conversation has been pre-arranged and the atmosphere is a chat.

a precise interaction

Highlights the accuracy and care employed during the conversation, where the meaning is the most important.

a distinct communication

Highlights how separate or different the actual communication is compared to the common ones.

a known discussion

Highlights that the discussion is not new and known by both parts.

a noteworthy chat

Highlights that the chat is relevant and important.

a remarkable discourse

Highlights the deepness and relevance of the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain conversation" to refer to a specific dialogue that is known or understood. For example, "During the investigation, a key piece of evidence emerged from a certain conversation between the suspects."

What's a more formal alternative to "certain conversation"?

A more formal alternative could be "specific discussion" or "particular dialogue", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "certain conversation" in academic writing?

Yes, "certain conversation" is appropriate in academic writing when referring to a specific, previously mentioned discussion. However, ensure the context makes it clear which conversation you're referring to.

What is the difference between "certain conversation" and "private conversation"?

"Certain conversation" refers to a specific conversation, while "private conversation" emphasizes that the conversation was not public or meant to be overheard.