certain materials

USAGE SUMMARY

'certain materials' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to materials that are either unspecified or have already been discussed and are known to the audience. For example, "We used certain materials that we purchased from the hardware store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain materials came and went with time.

The New York Times - Arts

Certain materials in vogue today may turn shoddy performances.

The New York Times

He made note of certain materials, like chloroform and rope.

The New York Times

Certain materials have a strong tendency to adsorb (that is bind to the surface) water vapour.

The Guardian

I grew up in a world where certain materials were kept in a special place".

The New York Times

Last year, physicists discovered that red wine can turn certain materials into superconductors.

MIT Technology Review

The attacker tried to sell certain materials on the internet and engage in extortion.

The Guardian - Tech

Table 2 lists the resistivities of certain materials at room temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luminescence is the emission of light by certain materials when they are relatively cool.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luminescence, emission of light by certain materials when they are relatively cool.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FRAM relies on the polarization of what amount to tiny magnets inside certain materials like perovskite, from basaltic rocks.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain materials", ensure the context clarifies whether the materials are unknown to the audience or previously specified. If the materials are known, consider referencing them directly for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain materials" as a vague placeholder. If you can be more specific, even with a general category (e.g., "specific polymers" instead of "certain materials"), your writing will be more informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain materials" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to unspecified items or substances. Ludwig confirms this usage pattern with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain materials" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to indicate specific substances without naming them directly. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It is versatile and appears across various writing styles, from news reports to scientific papers. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the materials when appropriate, or using alternative phrases to add nuance. Avoid vagueness by providing context about the "certain materials" you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific substances

Focuses on the chemical nature of the materials.

particular items

Highlights the individuality and selection of materials.

select components

Emphasizes that the materials are part of a larger system.

designated resources

Suggests the materials have been set aside for a purpose.

specified ingredients

Implies a recipe or process with precise material requirements.

precise elements

Highlights accuracy and exactness in composition.

defined products

Indicates materials that are finished or standardized.

identified matters

Emphasizes that the materials have been recognized or pointed out.

noted objects

Draws attention to the materials as being worthy of notice.

discrete entities

Highlights the materials as separate and distinct.

FAQs

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

"Certain materials" can be used to refer to items or substances without specifying them directly. For example, "The experiment required the use of "certain materials" to achieve the desired reaction."

What are some alternatives to using "certain materials"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "specific substances", "particular items", or "select components" instead of "certain materials".

Is it better to specify materials rather than using "certain materials"?

In most cases, specifying the materials is better for clarity. However, "certain materials" can be useful when the exact materials are proprietary, confidential, or irrelevant to the main point.

When is it appropriate to use "certain materials" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when the specific identity of the materials is not crucial or when the focus is on their general properties or behavior. However, strive for specificity whenever possible.