certain lady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain lady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific woman without naming her directly, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "I had a conversation with a certain lady who seemed to know a lot about the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A certain lady.

The New Yorker

"It went near a certain lady.

The New York Times - Sports

However, much like a certain lady, the film is not regarded quite so well further north.

Independent

The English language; my woods in springtime; a certain lady; the getting of money.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The New Yorker, February 28 , 1925P. 15 A certain lady.

The New Yorker

By Dorothy Parker The New Yorker, February 28 , 1925P. 15 A certain lady.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I am certain, ladies and gentlemen, that this will be the women's century".

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, there's the abbreviation (Tena) that is perhaps inevitable based around a certain ladies' incontinence product.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he was also playful, fond of bagatelles, as he called them, in his correspondence with such fellow writers as Alexander Pope, John Gay, Dr. Arbuthnot and certain ladies.

The New York Times - Books

When his safety deposit box was opened after his disappearance, photos of "certain ladies" were also discovered.

Forbes

Theodore Tilton published an editorial saying that Beecher "has at a most unseemly time of life been detected in improper intimacies with certain ladies of his congregation".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain lady" when you want to refer to someone without revealing their name, either to protect their privacy or because their identity is not relevant to the context. This phrase often adds a touch of formality or mystery.

Common error

Avoid using "certain lady" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "a woman" or "someone" unless you specifically intend to create a sense of distance or anonymity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain lady" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies "lady". It serves to identify a female individual without explicitly naming her, offering a degree of anonymity or formality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain lady" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as verified by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase used to denote a woman without explicitly stating her name, often to maintain anonymity or convey a degree of formality. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, especially within news and media. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to express. Use "certain lady" to maintain a sense of distance or formality. However, be mindful of overusing it in informal contexts where simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular woman

Replaces "certain" with "particular", emphasizing the specificity without revealing the identity.

a specific woman

Substitutes "certain" with "specific", highlighting the definiteness of the reference.

a woman in question

Emphasizes that the woman is under discussion or consideration.

an unnamed woman

Directly states that the woman's name is not being mentioned.

the lady in question

A formal way of referring to a woman previously mentioned or under discussion.

a mysterious woman

Adds an element of intrigue by suggesting the woman's identity is unknown or concealed.

a certain female

Replaces "lady" with a more clinical term, "female", retaining the anonymity.

a lady known to me

Indicates the speaker has a personal acquaintance with the woman.

a woman I know

Simple substitution, implies familiarity and retains the anonymity.

that woman

Uses a demonstrative pronoun to point out the woman being referred to, retaining a sense of anonymity.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain lady" to refer to a woman without naming her directly. For example, "I overheard a conversation between the manager and a certain lady at the cafe."

What's a less formal way to say "certain lady"?

Less formal alternatives include "a particular woman", "a specific woman", or simply "a woman", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "certain lady"?

It is appropriate to use "certain lady" when you want to maintain a degree of anonymity or formality, or when the person's identity is not crucial to the information you're conveying. It's often used in narrative or descriptive writing.

Is "certain lady" interchangeable with "particular lady"?

While similar, "certain lady" emphasizes anonymity or a deliberate withholding of information, while "particular lady" emphasizes specificity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.