certain person

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain person" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific individual, without revealing their identity. Example: "A certain person left their phone in the library yesterday. The librarian is holding onto it until they come back to retrieve it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There will be a certain person of yours over there. . . .

The New Yorker

"You said a certain person has been accused.

The Guardian

"But they're not prejudiced toward a certain person.

The New York Times - Sports

"It takes a certain person to want to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

You didn't walk away thinking, well, that sounded like a certain person, place or time.

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes a certain person who can walk in both worlds".

The New York Times

A person looks and thinks, 'This must be changed.' " A certain person, anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

I thought of myself as a certain person and suddenly I wasn't".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Couture is more for one certain person, for a woman who can afford it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But every now and then, the word perfectly explains a certain person.

The New York Times - Books

A Certain Person, whom I cannot bring myself to name, has been very difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain person" when you want to refer to someone specific without revealing their identity, either to protect their privacy or because their name is not relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "certain person" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Instead, consider using more precise terms like "the individual" or "the subject" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain person" functions as a noun phrase used to refer to a specific, but unnamed, individual. It allows the speaker or writer to indicate a particular person without revealing their identity. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, which confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain person" is a versatile tool in English for referring to a specific individual without disclosing their identity. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts. While it's suitable for general use, remember that more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as on wikis, indicating its broad applicability and understanding among native English speakers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific individual

Focuses on the distinctness of the person, making it slightly more formal.

particular individual

Emphasizes the individuality of the person being referred to.

unnamed individual

Highlights the anonymity of the person more explicitly.

someone

A very general term, lacking the specificity of "certain person".

an individual

Neutral and formal, lacking the connotation of secrecy.

a party

More formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

a figure

Often used when the person is part of a larger narrative or event.

a somebody

Informal, implying importance or recognition.

a character

Implies the person is part of a story or scenario.

a soul

Emphasizes the person's humanity or individuality in a deeper, more emotional sense.

FAQs

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

"Certain person" is used to refer to someone specific without naming them. For example, "A "certain person" left their keys on the table" indicates someone specific, but their identity is not disclosed.

What's the difference between "certain person" and "specific individual"?

While both refer to a particular individual, "certain person" often implies a degree of anonymity or discretion, whereas "specific individual" simply emphasizes the individual's distinctness.

What can I say instead of "certain person"?

You can use alternatives like "particular individual", "unnamed individual", or "a party" (especially in legal contexts) depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "certain person" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "certain person" might sound less formal in academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise or formal alternatives like "the individual" or "the subject" for a more polished tone.