certain matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain matters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific issues or topics that are not explicitly defined in the context. Example: "The committee will discuss certain matters related to the upcoming project during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Certain matters were settled after serious discussion.

The New Yorker

It makes certain matters trickier for the right wing.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in certain matters — looks, money, tennis — we would do well to accept this.

The New Yorker

"However, there are certain matters that cannot be overlooked," he claimed.

Independent

The Australian Broadcasting Authority exercises control in certain matters over the commercial private-enterprise services.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And so, suddenly, there are certain matters that fall to you as the responsible adult.

The New York Times

But if you want to get to the heart of certain matters, that might be difficult".

The New York Times - Sports

His new leisure he devoted, he wrote in 1889, to "certain matters as yet incomplete".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The statement also said the two directors would recuse themselves from certain matters if necessary.

The New York Times

"What little of it is left I husband for certain matters yet incomplete, and which, indeed, may never be completed".

The New Yorker

That would mean that MPs from England, Wales and Northern Ireland would not vote on certain matters of Scottish policy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain matters", ensure the context provides enough clues for the reader to understand what you are referring to, avoiding vagueness that could lead to misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "certain matters" without providing any context, as it can make your writing vague and confusing. Always ensure there are enough clues for the reader to understand what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain matters" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "matters". It serves to identify specific subjects or issues under consideration. As noted by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain matters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to denote specific issues or topics without explicitly naming them. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is correct and applicable across a range of contexts. To ensure clarity, always provide enough contextual clues to guide the reader's understanding. While broadly applicable, avoid overuse without sufficient context to prevent ambiguity. Common alternatives include "specific issues" and "particular topics". The phrase is most common in News & Media, followed by Science and Encyclopedias. Remember to use "certain matters" judiciously to enhance, not obscure, your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific issues

Replaces the general term "matters" with the more precise "issues".

particular topics

Substitutes "matters" with "topics", emphasizing the subject of discussion.

specific points

Focuses on individual elements or details, using "points" instead of "matters".

certain questions

Replaces "matters" with "questions", highlighting inquiries or uncertainties.

specific areas

Emphasizes a defined scope or field, using "areas" instead of "matters".

relevant issues

Highlights the pertinence or importance of the issues at hand.

pertinent details

Emphasizes the significance and specificity of the information.

respective items

Refers to individual elements within a group, using "items" instead of "matters".

designated subjects

Highlights predetermined or selected themes.

given concerns

Shifts focus to anxieties or worries that are already established.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain matters" to refer to specific but unnamed issues or topics. For example, "The committee will discuss "certain matters" related to the budget."

What are some alternatives to using "certain matters"?

Alternatives include "specific issues", "particular topics", or "relevant details". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "certain matters"?

Yes, "certain matters" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to refer to specific issues or topics without explicitly defining them.

When is it appropriate to use "certain matters" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to specific issues without being overly detailed or when the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what you are referring to. Avoid using it if it creates ambiguity.