certain groups of people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain groups of people" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a subset of people within a larger population. For example, "Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to negative effects of climate change than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why are certain groups of people being intimidated at the polls?

Huffington Post

This is particularly true for certain groups of people.

The Guardian

Still, for certain groups of people, screening may be useful.

The New York Times - Health

The Question "Throughout history, the human rights of certain groups of people have been violated.

The New York Times

"It serves to justify them in their minds, pulling away responsibility for certain groups of people.

The Guardian

What factors make certain groups of people live longer, healthier lives than others?

The New York Times

Running an unfair workplace, riddled with obstacles for certain groups of people, ought to be another.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some business skills are concentrated in certain places, certain groups of people, and certain cultures.

The Economist

Is it worth slightly decreased rates of access for certain groups of people?

The New York Times - Health

"Even if something is bipartisan, it still often doesn't solve the problems of certain groups of people in Texas," Mr. Coleman said.

The New York Times

Today, we have a clearer understanding of what justice means for certain groups of people, which is to say that justice can mean far too little.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain groups of people", be mindful of the context and ensure that you are not perpetuating stereotypes or generalizations. Provide specific details when possible to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain groups of people" as a placeholder for specific demographics without providing further context. Overgeneralizations can lead to misunderstandings and reinforce biases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain groups of people" functions as a determiner + noun phrase, specifying a subset of a larger population. It is commonly used to refer to particular segments of society, often in discussions about social issues, health disparities, or policy impacts. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain groups of people" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to specific subsets of a larger population. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable and understood in English writing. Its primary function is to identify a specific segment of society without explicitly naming the group, making it useful for discussing broad trends or impacts. The phrase is frequently used in news media, scientific research, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overgeneralizations and strive for specificity to avoid reinforcing biases. Alternatives include "various groups of people" or "particular groups of people", depending on the context. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, writers can effectively communicate about diverse populations with clarity and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various groups of people

Replaces "certain" with "various", indicating a range of different groups.

particular groups of people

Substitutes "certain" with "particular", emphasizing the specific nature of the groups.

specific groups of individuals

Uses "specific" instead of "certain" and "individuals" instead of "people", adding precision.

select groups of people

Replaces "certain" with "select", suggesting a choice or preference in the groups being referred to.

targeted groups of people

Implies that these groups are the focus of a specific action or policy.

designated groups of people

Suggests the groups have been officially identified for a particular purpose.

identifiable groups of people

Emphasizes that these groups can be clearly recognized or distinguished.

some groups of people

Replaces "certain" with "some", indicating a subset without specifying the criteria.

a number of people

Generalizes the phrase to indicate an unspecified quantity of individuals.

demographic groups

More scientific alternative; Indicates populations sharing statistical characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "certain groups of people" in a sentence?

You can use "certain groups of people" to refer to a subset of individuals within a larger population. For example, "Certain groups of people are more susceptible to specific diseases".

What are some alternatives to saying "certain groups of people"?

Alternatives include "various groups of people", "particular groups of people", or "specific groups of individuals", depending on the level of specificity needed.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "certain groups of people"?

In many cases, yes. Being specific provides more clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings. However, "certain groups of people" can be useful when referring to a general category without naming particular groups.

What does it mean to say that "certain groups of people" are disproportionately affected by something?

It means that a particular outcome or condition impacts those groups more heavily than the general population. For instance, certain groups of people may experience higher rates of poverty or disease.