certain day

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain day" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific day that has been previously mentioned or is already known by the speaker and the listener. For example: - I remember that certain day in May when we first met. - We will meet on a certain day next week, but I can't remember which one. - On that certain day, the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. In these sentences, "certain day" is used to emphasize the specific day being referred to. It can also be used to suggest a sense of importance or significance attached to that particular day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then one comes to Abner Hope (Alec B. Francis), an elderly fanatic on astronomy who believes that the world is coming to an end on a certain day.

The New York Times

You prepare to pitch a certain day.

The New York Times - Sports

Because if you timebox in a certain day, you can actually finish the list.

Harvard Business Review

And they're regular, arriving always on a certain day, at a certain time.

Harvard Business Review

We had someone who promised us concrete information, a meeting on a certain day.

The Guardian

Could you ask a friend to spend a certain day a week with you, regularly, one-on-one?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

(The exception is certain Sunday afternoons, when the crowds become restive and the cooks become nervous).

The New York Times - Food

The document should have reached California by a certain Friday, but didn't.

The New York Times

On certain Saturday afternoons, a tidal surge moves quietly throughout the country.

The New Yorker

This may or may not prove a useful thing to know on certain Saturday nights.

The New Yorker

Federer was still not certain Monday about his grass-court schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain day" when you want to refer to a specific day without explicitly naming it, often because the exact date is not important or is already known to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "certain day" excessively in formal writing where specificity is preferred. Instead, provide the actual date or a more precise description when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain day" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies a particular day, but without explicitly naming it. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct. It is used to indicate a specific day that is either already known or doesn't require precise identification in the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain day" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a specific yet unnamed day. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it offers convenience in communication, remember to provide specific dates when precision is paramount. Consider alternatives like "specific day" or "particular day" for enhanced clarity. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing to maintain a professional tone. The phrase serves as a useful tool for referencing dates without pinpoint accuracy, assuming the context provides sufficient understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific day

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing the particularity of the day.

particular day

Uses "particular" instead of "certain", highlighting the distinctiveness of the day.

designated day

Implies that the day has been officially chosen or assigned.

specified day

Suggests that the day has been explicitly stated or identified.

a given day

Indicates a day that is already known or assumed in the context.

one day

More general term. Refers to an unspecified day in the past or future.

that day

Refers back to a day previously mentioned or understood.

appointed day

Suggests the day has been officially scheduled or decreed.

a set day

Indicates a day that has been prearranged or fixed.

the day in question

Refers to a day that is under discussion or consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain day" to refer to a specific day that isn't necessarily named directly. For example, "The event will take place on a "specific day" next month."

What phrases are similar to "certain day"?

Alternatives include "particular day", "specific day", or "designated day", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "certain day" or a specific date?

It depends on the context. Use a specific date if the exact date is important. Use "certain day" if the exact date is not crucial or if it's already understood.

What's the nuance of "certain day" compared to "that day"?

"Certain day" implies a particular but unspecified day, while "that day" refers to a "previously mentioned day" or a day understood from the context.