certain question

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to any question in a general sense. For example: "I had a few answers to my certain question, but none of them were satisfactory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Which of course raises a certain question.

The Guardian

For all Mr. Wagoner's accomplishments, he could not escape a certain question.

The New York Times - Arts

"It takes twists and turns you might not expect if a certain question is asked".

The New York Times - Food

IN a crowded place like Manhattan, there are moments when a certain question flits across people's minds.

The New York Times

By contrast, the "how certain?" question suggests that significant Lib Dem and Green support could still crumble.

The Guardian

There is, however, a certain question that tends to arise among juries whenever prizes are being contemplated.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And certain questions linger.

The New York Times

This broad analysis raises certain questions.

The New Yorker

And inevitably certain questions arise.

The New York Times - Books

His inspiration raises certain questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certain questions were unresolved and intensely debated.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain question" when you want to refer to a question without specifying its exact content, implying it is known or understood within context. For example, "Answering a "certain question" required understanding complex legal precedents."

Common error

Avoid using "certain question" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes appear vague. Opt for more precise terms like "specific question" or clearly state the question being addressed to enhance clarity and rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain question" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "certain" modifies the noun "question". As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to refer to a question without specifying its exact nature, implying it is known or understood within the context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain question" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as a noun phrase, typically employed to reference a question without explicitly stating it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for contexts where the question is already known or understood. While versatile, clarity is key; more specific phrasing is advisable in formal or academic settings. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Science, along with its neutral register, makes it a widely accepted phrase across diverse communicative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific inquiry

Emphasizes the defined and particular nature of the question being asked.

particular query

Highlights the distinctiveness and individual focus of the question.

definite question

Stresses the clarity and unambiguity of the question.

precise question

Focuses on the exactness and accuracy of the question's formulation.

given question

Indicates a question that has already been presented or established.

aforementioned question

Refers back to a question that has been previously mentioned.

unspecified question

Highlights that the nature of the question hasn't been detailed.

hypothetical question

Indicates a question that is based on a theoretical or speculative scenario.

relevant question

Emphasizes the importance and pertinence of the question to the current context.

pertinent inquiry

Highlights the relevance and appropriateness of the question to the subject matter.

FAQs

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

Use "certain question" when you want to reference a question that is known or has been previously mentioned, without needing to specify exactly what it is. For instance, "The expert hesitated before answering that "certain question"".

What phrases can I use instead of "certain question"?

You can use alternatives like "specific inquiry", "particular query", or "definite question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain question" or specify the question directly?

It depends on the context. If the question is already known or implied, "certain question" is acceptable. However, for clarity, especially in formal writing, explicitly stating the question is often preferable. For example, instead of "Addressing that "certain question" is challenging", say "Addressing whether the policy is effective is challenging".

When is it appropriate to use "certain question" in academic writing?

It's generally better to avoid "certain question" in academic writing due to its vagueness. However, if you've clearly established the question earlier in your text, you might use it for brevity. Always prioritize clarity by referencing the question precisely when possible.