certain subject matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain subject matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific topics or themes that are being discussed or addressed in a particular context. Example: "The course will cover certain subject matter related to environmental science and sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Imputing an end to an action is of a fictional nature in the sense that it is not free from the subjective valuation that conditions the researcher's thematization of a certain subject matter out of "an infinite multiplicity of successively and coexistently emerging and disappearing events" [Weber 1904/1949, 72].

SEP

It's a murky area, whether it is "appropriate" to make jokes about certain subject matter.

The Guardian

"[Animated Minds] kind of put me in this niche of making animated docs which lend themselves to certain subject matter.

The Guardian

A quick look reveals that the books -- which Ms. Bove collected in Berkeley, Calif., where she grew up -- all share certain subject matter: radical politics, pyschedelia, sex, pop-mysticism.

The New York Times - Arts

But when the pornography star suggests with the confidence of a seasoned and cynical artistic director that Sarah is using certain subject matter in her shows as a strategy to earn grant money, it makes you wonder: who is really speaking here — and what is the real agenda?

The New York Times

Instead, conciliationism is a view about the bearing of one kind of evidence: evidence regarding what epistemic peers believe on a certain subject matter.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Yes, there are certain subject matters that once would have seemed possible for entertainment that audiences no longer find entertaining.

The New York Times

Many mathematicians want to maintain that the perceived correctness (incorrectness) of certain formal systems must ultimately be explained by the fact that they correctly (incorrectly) describe certain subject matters.

SEP

Administrators can block certain subject matters.

Wikipedia

I just never subscribed to the theory that there were certain subject matters that I had to write about".

Huffington Post

There are millions of books, scholarly articles and thousands of teachers and professors who have dedicated their lives to certain subject matters.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain subject matter", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the specific subjects are, or will be, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain subject matter" without providing any context or examples. If you state that a course covers "certain subject matter", immediately follow up with a list or description of what that subject matter entails.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain subject matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It specifies the topics or themes under consideration. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain subject matter" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to refer to specific topics or themes. According to Ludwig, it is correct and applicable in various written English contexts. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki-based articles. When employing this phrase, make sure that the subjects in question are clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "specific topics" or "particular themes" can be used to provide a more precise meaning depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific topics

Replaces "subject matter" with a more general term, focusing on distinct areas of discussion.

particular themes

Emphasizes recurring ideas or motifs instead of general subjects.

defined area of study

Highlights the structured and delimited nature of the topic.

specified content

Focuses on the concrete information presented.

designated theme

Similar to "particular themes" but suggests a more official or intentional selection.

relevant topics

Focuses on the pertinence of the subject matter within a specific context.

pertinent subjects

Uses a synonym for "relevant" to describe applicable subjects.

precise subject

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of the subject matter.

concrete topic

Emphasizes the tangible and well-defined nature of the subject.

determined content

Highlights that the content has already been established or decided upon.

FAQs

How can I use "certain subject matter" in a sentence?

You can use "certain subject matter" to refer to specific topics or themes. For example: "The presentation will address certain subject matter related to data privacy".

What are some alternatives to using "certain subject matter"?

Alternatives include "specific topics", "particular themes", or "designated areas of study" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain subject matter" or "specific subject matter"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "specific subject matter" might sound slightly more formal and precise.

What's the difference between "certain subject matter" and "other subject matter"?

"Certain subject matter" refers to specific topics you are defining, while "other subject matter" refers to topics outside of a specific area of discussion.