certain subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain subjects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific topics or areas of study without naming them explicitly. Example: "In this course, we will explore certain subjects that are crucial for understanding the fundamentals of psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Considerable gender gaps remain across certain subjects.

The Guardian

Certain subjects change the way we read fiction.

The New York Times - Books

He says: "Schools will force pupils to take certain subjects".

The Guardian

Would you pull these children out of certain subjects?

The Guardian

Some universities offer them only in certain subjects.

The Guardian

A side menu offers more tailored options for certain subjects.

The Guardian

Are there significant generational differences over certain subjects?

The New York Times

2. That certain subjects are out of bounds.

The Guardian

'I am extremely boring on certain subjects,' she says, a certain glint in her eye.

The Guardian - Books

Worsening teacher shortages in certain subjects are also a key factor.

The Guardian

But certain subjects -- children, flowers, domestic scenes -- were considered women's themes, as were media like watercolor.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain subjects" to refer to specific topics without explicitly naming them, allowing for generality or discretion in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "certain subjects" excessively in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terminology would be expected. Instead of saying "certain subjects", specify the topics being discussed for clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain subjects" functions as a determiner + noun, indicating particular areas of study or discussion. As seen in Ludwig, it is often used to refer to topics without explicitly naming them, allowing for a degree of generality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain subjects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote particular topics or areas of study without explicitly naming them. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, providing a versatile way to refer to topics with a degree of generality. When writing, consider the level of formality required and whether more specific terminology would be more appropriate. Remember, while the phrase is widely accepted, clarity and precision are always key in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific topics

Replaces 'subjects' with 'topics', emphasizing the content under discussion.

particular subjects

Substitutes 'certain' with 'particular', indicating specific and distinct subjects.

selected areas

Uses 'areas' instead of 'subjects', focusing on broader fields of study or interest, and replaces "certain" with "selected" to denote a choice.

designated topics

Replaces "subjects" with "topics" and indicates that these topics have been officially chosen or assigned.

specified themes

Uses 'themes' instead of 'subjects', suggesting a focus on recurring ideas or motifs, and uses "specified" to show they're clearly defined.

relevant subjects

Replaces "certain" with "relevant", emphasizing the importance or applicability of the topics.

pertinent themes

Substitutes both words, indicating the topics are highly relevant to the context.

key areas of focus

Replaces "subjects" with a phrase that highlights the importance of the areas under consideration.

restricted topics

Emphasizes that the topics are limited or controlled in some way, changing the nuance from simply 'certain'.

sensitive subjects

Highlights that the topics may be delicate or controversial, adding a layer of caution.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain subjects" to refer to specific topics without naming them. For example, "The curriculum focuses on "certain subjects" related to environmental science."

What are some alternatives to "certain subjects"?

Alternatives include "specific topics", "particular subjects", or "designated topics", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "certain subjects" or "specific subjects"?

Both "certain subjects" and "specific subjects" are acceptable. "Specific subjects" emphasizes the clarity and precision of the topics, while "certain subjects" can imply a degree of generality or discretion.

What is the difference between "certain subjects" and "sensitive subjects"?

"Certain subjects" refers to particular topics, while "sensitive subjects" indicates that the topics are delicate or controversial. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the specificity or the potential difficulty of the subjects.