certain elements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain elements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific parts or components of a larger whole, often in discussions about analysis, design, or categorization. Example: "In this study, we will focus on certain elements that contribute to the overall success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outright bans on certain elements?

The New York Times

Certain elements have vanished and others have been shoehorned in.

The Guardian - Film

"Secret History" shares certain elements with Anna Deavere Smith's plays.

The New York Times

"After that only certain elements can be cancelled.

The Guardian - Money

You could quibble, too, with certain elements of the concept.

The New York Times - Tech

In exchange, they extended certain elements of their network deals.

The New York Times - Sports

Certain elements turn up regularly in Mr. Brouwer's work.

The New York Times - Arts

Politics aside, these speeches have certain elements in common.

The New York Times

"Certain elements were probably still there in my head from 'Dance,' " she remembered.

The New York Times

Each puzzle setting is a bizarre collage where you can affect certain elements with the mouse.

The New York Times - Tech

Unfortunately, it appears that certain elements of the loss are not covered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "certain elements" in formal writing; consider using more precise language to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Don't use "certain elements" as a vague placeholder for details you haven't fully developed. If you can't specify the elements, refine your analysis or research before writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain elements" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain elements" is a versatile phrase used to refer to specific parts or aspects of something. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While highly prevalent, ensuring specificity when using "certain elements" will help prevent vagueness and enhance clarity. More precise alternatives, such as "specific components" or "particular aspects", can be considered for formal writing to achieve greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific components

Focuses on the parts that constitute a whole, emphasizing their role as building blocks.

particular aspects

Highlights specific facets or angles of a subject, drawing attention to their uniqueness.

select features

Implies a deliberate choice of characteristics, suggesting a curated or intentional selection.

definite aspects

Emphasizes the clear and well-defined nature of the considered aspects.

some aspects

Indicates that only a portion of the total aspects are being considered or are relevant.

specific traits

Refers to particular characteristics that distinguish something or someone.

unique characteristics

Underlines the distinctiveness of the attributes being discussed.

individual parts

Emphasizes the separateness of the components, highlighting their autonomy.

discrete portions

Focuses on the separate and distinct segments that make up a larger entity.

distinctive attributes

Highlights notable qualities that set something apart from others.

FAQs

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

Use "certain elements" to refer to specific parts or aspects of something, like: "Certain elements of the design are reminiscent of Art Deco."

What are some alternatives to using "certain elements"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "specific components", "particular aspects", or "select features".

Is it okay to use "certain elements" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using more precise and descriptive language instead of "certain elements" can enhance clarity and professionalism in formal writing.

What's the difference between "certain elements" and "specific elements"?

Both phrases are similar, but "specific elements" implies a higher degree of clarity and definition compared to "certain elements", which can be slightly more vague.