certain relationships

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain relationships" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific types of connections or associations between people, entities, or concepts without specifying which ones. Example: "In psychology, researchers often study certain relationships between childhood experiences and adult behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As pursuit of the highest office tends to do, the scalding campaign had singed certain relationships.

The New York Times

Certain relationships, jettisoned those — I'm friendly, but I have fewer friends".

The New Yorker

Or do certain relationships have fundamental bad chemistry, do they contain the seeds of their own destruction?

The Guardian - Film

Relationships between parents of children's friends are seldom studied, but many parents have stories to tell about discouraging certain relationships.

The New York Times - Health

For rights advocates in Russia, the bill against propagandizing certain relationships is alarming in its own right.

The New York Times

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND PARTY-RELATED TRANSACTIONS Indemnification of officers and directors This was, like, the first thing we did.

The New York Times

A psychiatrist said that at the end of certain relationships one has to understand that the only closure is accepting there will be no closure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These models, and the institutions using them, rely on a built-in theory of the economy, which enables them to "assume" certain relationships.

The Guardian - Business

The establishment of a community requires forming certain relationships; and these relationships are sacred when they bear the power of ultimate, eternal, cosmic force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FORCED OUT Not surprisingly, divorcing couples may not agree on the matter of whether certain relationships born of the defunct marriage should continue.

The New York Times

The making or finding of the image is an activity by which the poet invites the reader to establish certain relationships, which in turn involve value judgments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain relationships", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity, or follow with clarifying information. For example, "certain relationships within the company" might need further explanation depending on the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "certain relationships" when the relationships are either already obvious or need to be specifically identified. Saying 'certain relationships are important' without context offers little value to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain relationships" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to particular but unspecified connections or associations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain relationships" is a grammatically sound noun phrase widely used across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Scientific domains. As Ludwig AI indicated, the phrase is perfectly valid in the English language. It serves to denote specific, albeit unspecified, connections or associations. While versatile, employing "certain relationships" necessitates a context that provides sufficient clarity, preventing potential overgeneralization. To enhance precision, consider alternatives such as "specific connections" or "particular associations" to provide readers with clarity and informative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific connections

Replaces "certain relationships" with a more direct term, emphasizing the definiteness of the connections.

particular associations

Similar to "specific connections", but highlights the associative nature of the relationships.

some connections

A more general term that broadens the scope slightly, useful when the specificity is less important.

select affiliations

Emphasizes the chosen or deliberate nature of the relationships, suitable for formal contexts.

defined links

Focuses on the clear and established nature of the relationships.

distinct bonds

Highlights the unique and differentiated nature of the relationships.

precise interdependencies

Highlights the reciprocal reliance within the relationships.

stipulated links

Suggests that the relationships are formally agreed or determined.

concrete liaisons

Emphasizes the tangible and factual nature of the connections.

identified interrelations

Focuses on the act of recognizing and establishing the relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain relationships" to refer to specific connections without explicitly naming them. For example, "The study explored how environmental factors impact certain relationships between species."

What are some alternatives to using "certain relationships"?

Alternatives include "specific connections", "particular associations", or "some connections", depending on the context and level of specificity required.

What's the difference between "certain relationships" and "specific relationships"?

"Certain relationships" implies some level of specificity but may still leave room for interpretation, while "specific relationships" indicates a more precise and clearly defined set of connections.

Is it better to always specify relationships instead of using "certain relationships"?

Not always. Using "certain relationships" can be useful when the exact relationships are not the main focus, or when specifying them would be overly detailed or distracting. However, clarity is key, so ensure the context provides enough understanding.