certain of whom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain of whom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific individuals within a larger group, often in a context where their identities or characteristics are relevant to the discussion. Example: "There are several experts in the field, certain of whom have published groundbreaking research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No other great artist before modern times, in which shifting contingency affects every enterprise, seems less certain of whom he is addressing, and why.

The New Yorker

Despite the temptations of the crossover novel, Rosoff is as certain of whom the book is for as she is of what it's about.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This certainly parallels the changes in the predilection of clued up teenagers over the past two years, a certain contingent of whom have ditched the deep house, dip dyed Hype t-shirts and Huaraches of their 2012 predecessors for grime, tracksuits and a pair of 95s.

Vice

The second was a more sophisticated critique elaborated by certain intellectuals, many of whom had bureaucratic training and some knowledge of Western ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another factor was also at play: certain patients, many of whom used injection drugs or had psychiatric problems, did not take their medicines regularly.

The New York Times - Health

From the dad-house of the jovial 2 Bears to Underworld's Olympics anthem, top-quality dance music is continuing to be made by gentlemen of a certain age, many of whom have been making great records since the early 1990s.

The Guardian - Music

Of course, it's only because the "Mommie Dearest" movie is so awful that it's beloved, at least by a certain crowd — some of whom, it must be said, are buying tickets for her show.

The New Yorker

Others suppose the historical facts were retrieved much later by poets wishing to celebrate certain heroes, many of whom were associated with pilgrim routes that the jongleurs could then ply with profit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Ron Paul are a grab bag of looks and styles and figures — a credible set of extras for a movie scene shot in an all-night diner — even if they are, basically, all white men of a certain age, three of whom advocate similar policies.

The New Yorker

New boss Ian Dyson's latest wheeze to split the group in two will cost £30m in advisory fees, prompting derision from certain bondholders, one of whom told the Guardian: "There's a £30m corporate finance party on the top deck of the Titanic when attention should be focused on urgent engine room repairs".

The Guardian - Business

There aren't many forms of entertainment that a grandmother, mother and daughter (or son) can all watch together and share their memories of certain characters, many of whom never leave.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain of whom" when you want to specifically highlight that you are referring to a particular subset of people within a larger group, especially when their specific characteristics are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "certain of whom" in casual writing or speech. Simpler alternatives like "some of whom" or "a few of whom" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain of whom" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying a subset of individuals from a larger group. It introduces a relative clause, providing additional information about the selected individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain of whom" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify particular individuals within a larger group. While deemed correct by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and best suited for neutral to formal contexts, as it appears predominantly in News & Media and Encyclopedic sources. For more casual settings, alternatives like "some of whom" or "a few of whom" are often more appropriate. Use "certain of whom" when you specifically want to emphasize the distinct nature or relevance of the selected individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some of whom

This is a more common and general way to refer to a subset of people.

many of whom

Indicates a larger portion of the group is being referenced.

several of whom

Suggests a moderate number of individuals within the group.

a few of whom

Refers to a small number of people.

those of whom

More formal, indicating a specific group previously mentioned.

individuals of whom

A more formal and specific way to refer to people.

members of whom

Specifically refers to people who are part of a group.

those among whom

Emphasizes the selection from within a larger set.

a number of whom

Indicates an unspecified quantity of people.

various of whom

Highlights the diversity within the selected group.

FAQs

How can I use "certain of whom" in a sentence?

Use "certain of whom" to specify particular individuals within a larger group that share a specific trait or relevance to the context. For example, "There are many applicants, "certain of whom" have extensive experience."

What's a simpler alternative to "certain of whom"?

Alternatives include "some of whom", "a few of whom", or "many of whom depending" on the context and the proportion you want to indicate.

Is "certain of who" grammatically correct?

No, "certain of who" is not grammatically correct. The correct form is "certain of whom", where "whom" is used as the object of the preposition "of".

When is it appropriate to use "certain of whom" instead of "some of whom"?

Use "certain of whom" when you want to emphasize the specific or distinct nature of the individuals you are singling out within the group. While "some of whom" is more general, "certain of whom" implies a deliberate selection or identification.