certain problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or difficulty that is known or understood in the context. Example: "We need to address a certain problem that has been affecting our team's productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, certain problem areas stood out.

The Washington Post

There is, however, a certain problem at the centre of the project.

The Guardian - Film

You think of a better way to say something, a good phrase to correct a certain problem.

The New Yorker

But this leaner metaphysics generates a certain problem in semantics, a problem we call the problem of incomplete intensions.

University of California, Berkeley

But when there's a certain problem, we have a responsibility to at least make sure we resolve that problem.

The New York Times - Tech

Selected HTTP mechanisms and features are described in the chapter to help illustrate certain problem areas in content networking.

Content Networking Architecture, Protocols, and Practice

"In many cases a gamer's mind-set is coming up with new and novel approaches to winning, and to a certain problem at hand.

The New York Times

In one-dayers, if you have a certain problem – say, with the short ball – you can get around that, but in Test matches you can't.

Independent

And as the creator of a hit Off Broadway show built around a certain problem he has in the bedroom, he seems doubly qualified for the task.

The New York Times

It is an ever-changing field in that as soon as a certain problem is solved it becomes ordinary engineering and is no longer part of AI.

Stanford University

Many practitioners have had the experience of being unable to build a fancy classifier for a certain problem that consistently performs better than NB.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain problem", ensure the context makes clear what the problem is, even if it's not explicitly named. For example, "Addressing a certain problem requires immediate action" implies awareness of a specific issue within the relevant context.

Common error

Avoid using "certain problem" when the problem is completely unknown or vague to the audience. This can create confusion and diminish the impact of your statement. Always provide enough context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" acts as a determiner modifying the noun "problem". It identifies a specific, though perhaps unnamed, issue. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a specific issue within a given context, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves to reference a problem that is understood, but not necessarily named explicitly. This phrase is versatile, fitting well within neutral registers and appearing commonly in news, scientific, and formal business communications. When employing "certain problem", ensure the context offers sufficient clues to the problem being referenced, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives such as "specific issue" or "particular challenge" can provide additional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific issue

Focuses on the particularity and definiteness of the issue.

particular challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty involved in the issue.

definite concern

Highlights the worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

precise difficulty

Stresses the exact nature of the problem.

identified obstacle

Indicates that the problem has been recognized and named.

acknowledged issue

Suggests the problem is recognized and accepted.

specific complication

Highlights the intricate nature of the problem.

discrete matter

Presents the problem as a separate and distinct item.

select predicament

Implies a difficult, unpleasant or embarrassing situation.

named trouble

Suggests that the problem has been clearly identified and possibly addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain problem" to refer to a specific issue without explicitly naming it. For example, "We need to address a "certain problem" in our marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "certain problem"?

Alternatives include "specific issue", "particular challenge", or "definite concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain problem" or "one certain problem"?

"A certain problem" is the more common and grammatically natural phrasing. "One certain problem" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

When should I use "certain problem" instead of naming the problem directly?

Use "certain problem" when the context makes the problem clear, or when you want to avoid being too specific for strategic reasons. If clarity is paramount, directly naming the issue is often better.