certain marker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain marker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific indicator or sign that is not explicitly named but is understood in context. Example: "In the study, researchers identified a certain marker that indicated the presence of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Yes, you will traverse stages which throw unlimited numbers of bad guys at you until you reach a certain marker.

Independent

An enrichment design screens patients for the presence or absence of a marker or a panel of markers and then only includes patients who either have or do not have a certain marker characteristic or profile.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology

The results were surprising, as certain marker ions were consistently found in all the jatai samples, indicating the same plant source for the resins in all those regions.

Chemistry Central Journal

They include Hare's favored mesenchymal stem cells, which can become bone, muscle, and more; a cocktail of bone marrow cells used in German trials; and bone marrow cells that express a certain marker on their surface called CD34.

Science Magazine

As isotype controls were not used, those cells that did not express a certain marker were considered as negative control for positive cells [55].

Plosone

This procedure is based on the fact that certain marker combinations within an individual cannot occur because it would involve recombination in females.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The enrichment design is most appropriate when compelling preliminary evidence suggests treatment benefit in only certain marker-defined subgroups, the all-comers design is useful when preliminary evidence regarding treatment effects in marker subgroups is unclear, and adaptive designs have the most potential in the setting of multiple treatment options and multiple marker-defined subgroups.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

"I know I will have to follow certain markers and always head north".

The New Yorker

These wells are spotted with chemicals that change color when they react with certain markers in a liquid.

MIT Technology Review

Those programs monitor certain markers in their athletes' blood and chart them over time.

The New York Times

The results suggest a more rapid and pronounced response from ResArg than trans-Res on certain markers of vascular function.

PharmaNutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain marker", ensure the context makes it clear what type of marker you are referring to. If the specific marker is not yet known or defined, this phrase works well. If it is known, consider using the specific name or type of marker for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain marker" repeatedly without ever specifying what the marker is. Overuse can make your writing vague and uninformative. If possible, transition from "certain marker" to naming the specific marker as the discussion progresses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain marker" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner specifying a particular but unnamed marker. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a specific indicator or sign that is understood in context. It is often used in scientific and technical writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain marker" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase primarily found in scientific and technical contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively references a specific yet unnamed indicator. While not exceedingly common, its usage is generally formal and scientific, making it suitable for academic and research writing. Related phrases include "specific indicator" and "particular indicator". The key is to ensure the context clearly defines what marker is being referenced, avoiding overuse without specification. This is supported by Ludwig's examples that show a consistent and proper usage of "certain marker" in various scientific domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific indicator

Replaces "certain" with "specific" emphasizing a clearly defined indicator.

particular indicator

Substitutes "certain" with "particular", highlighting a distinct and individual indicator.

distinct marker

Replaces "certain" with "distinct", stressing the uniqueness of the marker.

identifiable marker

Focuses on the marker being recognizable and able to be identified.

designated marker

Emphasizes that the marker has been officially or intentionally selected.

known marker

Highlights that the marker is recognized or understood within a given field or context.

characteristic feature

Replaces "marker" with a broader term, "characteristic feature", to describe a notable attribute.

selected marker

Implies that the marker was chosen from a set of possibilities.

defined characteristic

Similar to "specific indicator" but using "characteristic" instead of "indicator".

identified characteristic

Focuses on the action of identifying a specific attribute.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain marker" to refer to a specific indicator without explicitly naming it. For example, "The presence of a "certain marker" indicates a higher risk of the disease."

What can I say instead of "certain marker"?

You can use alternatives like "specific indicator", "particular indicator", or "distinct marker" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "certain marker" instead of naming the marker?

Use "certain marker" when the exact identity of the marker is unknown, irrelevant to the discussion, or when you want to avoid being too specific. If the marker's identity is crucial, name it directly.

What is the difference between "certain marker" and "specific marker"?

"Certain marker" implies that a marker exists, but it's not necessarily identified, while "specific marker" suggests a marker that is clearly defined and recognized.