certain events

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain events" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific occurrences or incidents that are noteworthy or relevant in a particular context. Example: "The investigation was launched due to certain events that raised suspicions among the authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The script distorts certain events and conversations.

The New York Times

I think it's critical of certain events.

The New York Times

Over the years, certain events have become significant milestones.

The New York Times

"It's all about the risk of certain events changing.

The Guardian

New York City taxes may be applicable for certain events.

The New Yorker

I would pan up into certain events, then proceed in a series of jump cuts.

The Guardian - Books

Certain events and aspects of people were fictionalized for economy and emotional impact.

The New York Times

Certain events were down 40percentt year over year in terms of ratings in 2008.

The New York Times - Sports

Certain events had led me to a spot where I finally shut up and listened.

The New Yorker

'Certain events' doesn't disclose what in the supposed documentary is real and what is fake.

The Guardian

But certain events on the Galápagos portion left us feeling shortchanged.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain events", ensure that the context makes it clear which events you are referring to, or provide additional details to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "certain events led to this decision", specify "certain events in the company's history, such as the product recall and the CEO's resignation, led to this decision."

Common error

Avoid using "certain events" as a placeholder when you actually know the specific events. Being vague can weaken your writing and make it less credible. Always strive for clarity and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain events" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner specifying the type of events being referenced. This allows the speaker or writer to allude to specific occurrences without detailing them explicitly. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain events" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that serves to reference specific, though often unnamed, occurrences. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to fit within diverse contexts, from formal news reports and scientific papers to more informal wikis. While it's essential to ensure the context clarifies which events are being referenced to avoid ambiguity, using "certain events" can be a succinct way to allude to known or sensitive information. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various communicative settings, enhancing its overall utility in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific occurrences

Replaces 'events' with 'occurrences', emphasizing the act of something happening.

particular incidents

Substitutes 'events' with 'incidents', highlighting individual instances or happenings.

select happenings

Uses 'happenings' instead of 'events', suggesting a more casual or informal tone.

defined situations

Replaces 'events' with 'situations', focusing on the circumstances or conditions.

given instances

Uses 'instances' instead of 'events', emphasizing single, concrete examples.

notable episodes

Substitutes 'events' with 'episodes', highlighting events that are distinct and memorable.

distinct occasions

Replaces 'events' with 'occasions', suggesting specific instances that may be formal or significant.

special affairs

Uses 'affairs' instead of 'events', often implying events of public interest or importance.

marked incidents

Substitutes 'certain' with 'marked', emphasizing that the events are significant or noticeable.

important developments

Replaces 'events' with 'developments', focusing on events that signify progress or change.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain events" to refer to specific occurrences or incidents without explicitly naming them. For example, "The investigation was triggered by "certain events" that raised suspicion."

What are some alternatives to using "certain events"?

Alternatives to "certain events" include "specific incidents", "particular occurrences", or "select happenings" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "certain events" or list the events explicitly?

Listing the events explicitly provides more clarity and detail. However, "certain events" can be useful when the specific events are already known to the audience or when you want to avoid being overly specific.

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

"Certain events" implies that the events are known but not explicitly stated, while "specific events" emphasizes that the events are clearly defined and identified. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the specificity of the events.