certain people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain people" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific group or type of people. Example: Certain people have a natural talent for playing musical instruments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I remember certain people.

The New Yorker

Just certain people.

The New Yorker

Only certain people are affected.

The New Yorker

He calls certain people enemies.

The New Yorker

"Certain people expect certain prices".

The New York Times

"But it drives certain people.

The New York Times - Sports

Certain people are not.

The New York Times - Magazine

It attracts certain people.

The New Yorker

"Certain people have that kind of charisma.

The New York Times - Arts

Do certain people drink too much?

The Economist

Certain people say that Diaghilev staged it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain people", ensure the context makes it clear who you are referring to, even if not explicitly named. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "certain people" repeatedly without providing any specific details or context. Overuse can make your writing vague and less impactful. Provide context or switch to a more specific term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain people" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a subset of individuals without explicitly naming them. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain people" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, employed to refer to a specific, often implied, group of individuals without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While useful for generalization or discretion, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "specific individuals" or "particular individuals" can offer greater precision depending on the situation. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "certain people" into your writing while maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific individuals

More formal and emphasizes the individuality of those being referenced.

particular individuals

Similar to "specific individuals", but can also imply a known group.

select individuals

Implies a deliberate choice or distinction among people.

certain members

Refers to individuals who belong to a specific group or organization.

some individuals

More general, indicating a non-specific subset of people.

designated persons

More formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

a number of people

Focuses on the quantity of people, rather than their specific characteristics.

some parties

Often used in legal or business contexts to refer to individuals or groups.

a few individuals

Highlights the limited number of people involved.

some of us

Implies that the speaker is part of the group being referenced.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain people" to refer to a specific group without explicitly naming them. For example, "Certain people are exempt from this policy."

What can I say instead of "certain people"?

You can use alternatives like "specific individuals", "particular individuals", or "select individuals" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain people" or name the group directly?

It depends on the context. If naming the group is appropriate and concise, it's often better to be direct. "Certain people" is useful when you want to avoid naming individuals or when the group is implied.

What's the difference between "certain people" and "some people"?

"Certain people" implies a specific, possibly known group, while "some people" is more general and doesn't suggest a specific group.