certain specifics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain specifics" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to particular details or elements that are being discussed or clarified. Example: "In order to proceed with the project, we need to address certain specifics regarding the timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Had he lied to her? He'd omitted certain specifics.

The New Yorker

Yes, laid-off people are spending on certain specifics, but they won't be buying new TV's and new furniture".

The New York Times

"And he may not have spoken about certain specifics in the same way, but partly that's because he lived in a more innocent time, in some ways.

The New Yorker

Certain specifics of Lewis's metaphysics might well decide the truth values of sentences that are undecided by ordinary modal intuitions.

SEP

Questioned by S, the forester replies that a gavaya is like a cow mentioning certain specifics as also some dissimilarities.

SEP

Mobility data were collected in Austria [16], but it is reasonable to assume that mobility behavior depends more on certain specifics of a city, rather than the country the city is in, so using Austrian mobility data of a city with similar properties and structure may yield reasonable results.

Computational Social Networks

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Jury trial is contemplated for certain specific crimes.

Cornell University

Engineers also studied how humans accomplish certain specific activities by working with professional musicians.

The New York Times

He said his parameters were confined to certain specific questions: Did federal agents start the fire?

The New York Times

The peace prizes, on the other hand, aim to foster certain specific goals.

The New York Times

SS: As a younger, female, solo traveler I had certain, specific concerns, of course.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain specifics" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to particular and well-defined details, rather than general information. For greater impact, be sure to clarify those specifics for the audience.

Common error

Avoid pairing "certain specifics" with other vague qualifiers, such as "some" or "a few." This can create redundancy and weaken your statement. Instead, ensure the specifics are clearly identified or implied by the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain specifics" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies particular details or aspects, implying a selection from a larger set of potential details. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain specifics" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to emphasize particular details within a larger context. While categorized as uncommon in frequency, according to Ludwig, it is found across various domains, including news, science, and academia, which suggests a versatile application. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the specifics or providing sufficient context for the audience to understand what you are referring to. Considering the semantic alternatives and the potential for redundancy, thoughtful word choice will enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain details

Focuses on the individual elements that make up the specifics.

certain particulars

Emphasizes the distinct and individual aspects of the specifics.

particular specifics

Reorders the original phrase while maintaining the same core meaning.

specific details

Reverses the order of the words, emphasizing 'specific'.

certain aspects

Refers to particular features or elements of something.

precise details

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the details.

exact specifics

Stresses the accuracy and precision of the specifics involved.

defined specifics

Highlights that the specifics are clearly outlined and determined.

concrete details

Indicates that the specifics are tangible and well-defined.

certain features

Shifts focus to particular characteristics or attributes.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain specifics" to refer to particular details or elements that are being discussed or clarified. For example: "In order to proceed with the project, we need to address "certain specifics" regarding the timeline and budget."

What are some alternatives to "certain specifics"?

You can use alternatives like "certain details", "specific details", or "particular aspects" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "certain specifics" and "specifics"?

Adding "certain" before "specifics" emphasizes that you are referring to particular and well-defined details, rather than all possible specifics. "Specifics" on its own can imply a broader range of details.

Is it redundant to say "certain specific details"?

Yes, using "certain specific details" can be redundant because "specific" already implies that the details are particular. It's better to use either "certain details" or "specific details".