certain parts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain parts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific sections or components of a whole, often in a context where not all parts are being discussed. Example: "In this report, we will focus on certain parts of the project that require immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's so dirty in certain parts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is it certain parts of the business?

Cornell University

"There are certain parts that are true.

The New York Times

Certain parts, however, run relatively straight.

The New York Times - Travel

"There's certain parts of this job Zayn loved and there's certain parts of that he didn't.

Independent

I had to avoid certain parts of town.

The New York Times

In certain parts of his empire, everything runs beautifully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Humorous obsessions with certain parts of the female anatomy.

The New York Times - Books

They thought I was just suited for certain parts.

The New York Times - Arts

Other morsels worked to highlight certain parts of the film.

The Guardian - Film

In certain parts of Europe, wrestling is big.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain parts", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific sections you are referring to. Lack of clarity can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying "Certain parts need improvement", specify "Certain parts of the engine need improvement".

Common error

Avoid using "certain parts" without providing enough context. Overgeneralizing can make your writing vague. For instance, saying "Certain parts of the plan are unclear" is less effective than specifying "Certain parts of the financial projections within the plan are unclear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain parts" functions as a determiner + noun, specifying particular sections or components within a larger whole. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to denote specific, though not necessarily explicitly named, portions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain parts" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to refer to specific sections or components, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a determiner + noun, indicating particular portions without precise identification. While its register is generally neutral, its usage is common across diverse contexts like news, science, and general discourse. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide adequate context when employing "certain parts". Common errors involve overgeneralization, emphasizing the need for specifying which sections are being addressed. Alternatives include "specific sections" and "particular areas".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific sections

Focuses on the sections being explicitly identified.

particular areas

Highlights the specific regions or spaces involved.

select portions

Emphasizes a deliberate choice of parts.

some segments

Refers to divided sections of a whole.

certain elements

Highlights specific components or aspects.

specific aspects

Focuses on the particular features or details.

defined segments

Emphasizes the clearly marked or designated sections.

limited areas

Highlights restricted or confined zones.

discrete units

Refers to individually separate sections.

isolated segments

Emphasizes the independent or detached nature of the sections.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain parts" to refer to specific sections or components of something. For example, "Certain parts of the engine require maintenance" or "Certain parts of the city are under construction".

What are some alternatives to using "certain parts"?

Alternatives to "certain parts" include "specific sections", "particular areas", or "select portions", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain parts" or "specific parts"?

Both "certain parts" and "specific parts" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Certain" implies a degree of vagueness, while "specific" suggests more precise identification. In contexts where clarity is crucial, "specific parts" might be preferred.

What does "certain parts" mean in a technical context?

In a technical context, "certain parts" typically refers to particular components or modules within a system or device. For example, "Certain parts of the software need to be updated to ensure compatibility".