certain individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific people in a general way. For example, "Certain individuals chose to remain anonymous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain individuals shone.

The Guardian - Sport

People are pointing fingers at certain individuals".

The New York Times

Certain individuals didn't admit it was asbestos.

The New York Times

Certain individuals were fated to be together.

The New Yorker

Beyond that, its influence through certain individuals is very strong.

The New Yorker

But certain individuals have managed, despite the surveillance.

The Guardian

"Unfortunately certain individuals have no sensitivity for humanity".

The New York Times

How influential have certain individuals been in this organization?

The New York Times

Out of the inevitable defeat, certain individuals conversely did shine.

The Guardian - Sport

However, "certain individuals" declined to provide phone records.

The Guardian - Sport

Certain individuals, though, are more aggressive than others.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure context makes it clear who "certain individuals" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This can be achieved by referencing a group they belong to or a situation they are involved in.

Common error

Avoid using "certain individuals" excessively without providing sufficient context, as it can make your writing sound vague and impersonal. Consider providing a more specific description or alternative phrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain individuals" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It is used to refer to specific people without explicitly naming them. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

22%

Science & Research

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Huffington Post

5%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain individuals" serves as a versatile tool to refer to specific, unnamed people across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it is common in news, science, and more formal settings, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "specific people" or "particular individuals" may be used depending on the desired tone and level of specificity. When using "certain individuals", ensure your writing remains clear and avoids sounding overly vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific people

Direct synonym focusing on the specificity of the people being referred to.

particular individuals

Emphasizes the distinctness of the people in question.

some people

A more general term that still implies a subset of a larger group.

select individuals

Suggests that the individuals are chosen for a specific reason or characteristic.

certain parties

More formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

some members

Implies that the individuals are part of a larger group or organization.

various persons

A more formal and somewhat dated alternative.

unnamed individuals

Highlights the anonymity or lack of identification of the people.

relevant people

Focuses on the importance or pertinence of the individuals to a specific situation.

concerned individuals

Suggests that the individuals have a vested interest or concern in the matter at hand.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain individuals" to refer to specific people without naming them directly. For example, "Certain individuals were responsible for the error".

What are some alternatives to "certain individuals"?

Alternatives include "specific people", "particular individuals", or "some people", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

Is it better to say "certain individuals" or "specific people"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "certain individuals" can sound more formal than "specific people". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

When should I avoid using "certain individuals"?

Avoid using "certain individuals" if it makes your writing vague or unclear. If the identity of the people is important to the context, consider providing more specific details or naming them directly, if appropriate.