certain issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain issue" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a specific or particular problem or topic. Example: The politicians debated the certain issues surrounding immigration reform during the town hall meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I expect that to fix itself once I address a certain issue that recently cropped up.

The New Yorker

The commentators referred to by Mr. Ai are believed to be paid each time they post something that bolsters or repeats the government position on a certain issue.

The New York Times

I'm quite leftwing and interested in the debate about private and state school education, though sometimes I might like to read an alternative view about a certain issue.

The Guardian

"The executive committee was usurping the leadership role so on any given day, you had four or five bosses working a certain issue.

The New York Times

Through clever promotion and skillful use of new online tools, nonprofits can persuade people who have only pressed "Like" on a certain issue or campaign to do a lot more.

The New York Times

The word "thesis" comes from the Greek tithenai, which literally means "to place" or "to position": my thesis is my position, my point of view, my stance on a certain issue.

The Guardian

He writes: "If someone in Egypt or Saudi Arabia watching al-Jazeera changes their mind about a certain issue... they cannot go out and vote in an election... but it is not al-Jazeera's fault".

The Guardian - Books

-Create a collage of headlines and photographs from The New York Times that explore the relationship of weather conditions to a certain issue, such as global economics, famine or endangered species.

The New York Times

If you subscribe for a single month -- say you want the article comparing dishwashers in a certain issue -- you must remember to cancel your subscription at the end of the month.

The New York Times - Tech

"I just wanted to raise awareness about this certain issue, about this person, Oscar," Coogler, 27, who also wrote the film, told the Guardian in an interview on Monday.

The Guardian - Film

"The church is not trying to be politically correct," said the pope's spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, "but there are regions of opportunity, moments in which a certain issue could be addressed" by canonizing a relevant saint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain issue", ensure the context makes it clear what the issue is, either through prior explanation or immediate clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "certain issue" without providing enough context. If the issue isn't clear to the reader, the phrase loses its effectiveness and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "issue". It refers to a particular problem or topic that is known or under consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as political debates or personal problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a specific problem or topic. As Ludwig AI validates, its meaning is straightforward and accepted in formal and informal communication. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. For alternative expressions, consider "specific problem" or "particular matter". The phrase's function is primarily to introduce a known problem without immediate elaboration, making it a useful tool in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect more directly.

particular matter

Emphasizes the distinctness of the topic.

given topic

Highlights the pre-defined nature of the subject.

specific concern

Underscores the element of worry or apprehension involved.

pertinent subject

Stresses the relevance and importance of the issue.

relevant question

Presents the issue as a query needing resolution.

definite matter

Highlights the clarity and precision of the issue.

precise point

Narrows down the focus to a very specific detail.

the question at hand

Refers directly to the issue being discussed or dealt with.

item in question

Emphasizes the aspect of doubt or inquiry surrounding the topic.

FAQs

How to use "certain issue" in a sentence?

You can use "certain issue" to refer to a specific matter that is being discussed or addressed. For example, "The committee was formed to address a "certain issue" related to environmental regulations."

What can I say instead of "certain issue"?

You can use alternatives like "specific problem", "particular matter", or "given topic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "certain issue" or "a certain issue"?

Both ""certain issue"" and "a certain issue" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the context and whether you are referring to a general category or a specific instance of an issue.

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

"Certain issue" implies that the issue is known but perhaps not explicitly stated, while "specific issue" emphasizes that the issue is clearly defined and detailed.