certain projects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain projects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific projects that are not named or detailed but are understood in context. Example: "We have decided to allocate more resources to certain projects that align with our strategic goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We focus on certain projects and developers.

The New York Times

Lower energy prices means certain projects are no longer viable.

The Economist

Cancellation of certain projects has hit some firms especially hard.

The Guardian - Business

I BCC him on certain projects that I'm working on".

The New Yorker

There are certain projects that just go straight downhill, with difficulty at every step.

The New York Times

A Actually, the firm consists of myself and some associations, when necessary, on certain projects.

The New York Times

He plans to continue to work with UBS on certain projects, Mr. Orcel said.

The New York Times

But he said it remained tricky to know where Mr. Ross stood on certain projects.

The New York Times

He offered little explanation for the increase, attributing it to cost overruns for "certain projects".

The New York Times

"I understand why writers and artists go back to certain projects time and again.

The Guardian - Books

Each board member wants to preserve certain projects despite the dwindling financing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain projects", ensure the context makes it clear which projects you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the scope of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "certain projects" excessively without providing specific examples or further details. Overusing the phrase without clarification can make your writing vague and less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain projects" functions as a noun phrase where "certain" modifies the noun "projects". It refers to specific but unnamed projects, implying that they are known or understood within a given context. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain projects" is a versatile phrase used to refer to specific projects without explicitly naming them. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using "certain projects", ensure that the context provides sufficient clarity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "specific projects" or "particular projects" can be used for added precision. Avoiding overuse and providing context are key to effective communication. It is also important to ensure clear communication when allocating recourses to those projects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific projects

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing the distinct and defined nature of the projects.

particular projects

Substitutes "certain" with "particular", highlighting the individuality and uniqueness of the projects.

selected projects

Emphasizes the act of choosing or designating the projects from a larger set.

designated projects

Focuses on the formal assignment or naming of the projects.

identified projects

Highlights the process of recognizing and singling out the projects.

specified projects

Implies a detailed and explicit definition of the projects.

defined projects

Suggests that the projects have clear boundaries and objectives.

named projects

Highlights the act of giving the projects a formal title or identifier.

individual projects

Emphasizes that each project is considered separately and distinctly.

some projects

Offers a more general alternative, indicating that only a portion of all projects are being referred to.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain projects" to refer to specific projects without naming them directly. For example, "We are prioritizing resources for "certain projects" that align with our strategic goals."

What is a good alternative to "certain projects"?

Alternatives include "specific projects", "particular projects", or "selected projects", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "certain projects" and "specific projects" are grammatically correct. "Specific projects" may provide a bit more clarity, but "certain projects" is fine when the context is clear.

When should I avoid using the phrase "certain projects"?

Avoid using "certain projects" when you can provide more precise information about the projects you're discussing. Being more specific enhances clarity and strengthens your message.