certain example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific instance or case that illustrates a point or concept. Example: "In order to clarify my argument, I will provide a certain example that highlights the issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Certain example problems are presented, which illustrate the method and demonstrate its efficiency.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Section Proof Open Questions (POQ) and section Handle POQ explain more details about POQ type of questions and application in certain example.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

A certain example for Alzheimer's disease is given in Figure  S2, where the drugs associated with this disease, the proteins connected with these drugs, and their interactors are selected.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But his problem with poets ran deeper than a dislike of certain examples of the breed.

The Guardian - Books

Even limited and specific to certain examples of wrongdoing, RROs offer hope for justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

And I wanted to mention certain examples, just to make this clear.

Yale University

Sample language is provided in paragraph (f)(6) of this section, as well as in certain examples of this section.

Cornell University

"It was always my feeling that certain examples of engineering rose to a higher level to become icons," he said.

The New York Times

Now, the Kremlin is seeking to ban officials from using certain examples of apparently corruption-inducing language in its bid to overcome the endless scourge.

The Guardian

When thinking about brutalist architecture, certain examples might spring to mind – Montreal's Habitat 67, Marseille's Cité Radieuse, and the suburbs of Russia's great cities, perhaps.

The Guardian

It effectively banned certain examples of exploitation and horror cinema which the media had labelled "video nasties", and more to the point, helped quell the hysteria surrounding them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain example", ensure that the example you provide is indeed representative and clearly illustrates the point you are making. Avoid vague or ambiguous examples that might confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using a "certain example" to represent an entire complex phenomenon. Always acknowledge the limitations of your example and any nuances that it might not capture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain example" functions as a determiner + noun combination, serving to introduce a specific instance or case to illustrate a point or concept. It indicates that the example is not just any example, but a particular one chosen for its relevance or illustrative power. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain example" is a grammatically correct way to introduce a specific instance used to illustrate a point. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While not exceptionally common, the phrase serves to add clarity by grounding abstract concepts with tangible examples. Using related alternatives like ""specific instance"" or ""particular case"" can sometimes improve clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific instance

Replaces 'example' with 'instance' to emphasize a particular occurrence.

particular case

Substitutes 'example' with 'case', highlighting a specific situation.

concrete illustration

Uses 'illustration' instead of 'example' to suggest a visual or descriptive instance.

select demonstration

Emphasizes the act of showing or proving something through a chosen example.

designated instance

Highlights the act of specifying a particular instance.

representative sample

Implies that the example is typical or indicative of a larger group.

given instance

Suggests that example is already known or previously introduced.

pertinent illustration

Focuses on the relevance and suitability of the example.

relevant occurrence

Highlights the fact that example has an emphasis on being relevant.

distinct situation

The example focuses on that the situation is distinct.

FAQs

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

Use "certain example" to introduce a specific instance that clarifies or supports a point. For example, you might say, "To illustrate this concept, let's consider a certain example." or an "specific instance".

What are some alternatives to "certain example"?

Alternatives include "specific instance", "particular case", or "concrete illustration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain example" or "a specific example"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "specific example" is often preferred for its clarity and directness. "Certain example" can sometimes imply that the example is predetermined or known to the speaker but not necessarily to the audience.

When should I use "certain example" instead of "any example"?

"Certain example" is used when you have a particular instance in mind that you believe best illustrates your point. "Any example" is used when the specific instance is less important than the general concept being demonstrated.