certain things

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to specific objects, ideas, or facts without mentioning precisely what they are. For example, "I'm not sure about certain things I heard about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain things hadn't changed.

The New York Times - Arts

They don't know certain things".

The New Yorker

"We're doing certain things right.

The New York Times - Sports

So certain things didn't work.

The New Yorker

For certain, things will change.

Independent

Certain things I can't stomach.

The New York Times - Arts

We disagree on certain things.

Independent

"Certain things just happen".

The New York Times - Style

"Certain things are appropriate, and certain things aren't".

The New York Times

But certain things he did know.

The New Yorker

"We cannot afford certain things," he continued.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain things" when you want to be vague or avoid specifying details, especially when the details are already understood or not essential to the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "certain things" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more specific language to enhance clarity and precision. For example, instead of "certain things need to be addressed", specify "key issues need to be resolved".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain things" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to unspecified items or matters, allowing for generality or discretion. Ludwig AI suggests it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain things" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to refer to unspecified items or details. According to Ludwig AI, it serves the purpose of generalizing or being intentionally vague. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, though more specific language is preferred in formal writing. Ludwig examples highlight its usage across news, media, and general contexts. When more precision is required, alternatives such as "specific items" or "certain aspects" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain aspects

Synonymous, maintaining a very similar meaning.

certain elements

It indicates selected components.

specific items

Replaces "things" with a more precise term, implying a defined set of objects.

certain details

Synonymous, maintaining a very similar meaning.

particular aspects

Focuses on specific features or elements rather than general items.

specific considerations

Highlights elements being taken into account.

particular issues

Emphasizes problems or topics of concern.

various elements

Indicates multiple components or parts.

specific points

Focuses on distinct ideas or arguments.

some details

Implies undisclosed pieces of information.

FAQs

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

"Certain things" can be used to refer to unspecified items or details, as in "Certain things are best left unsaid".

What are some alternatives to using "certain things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specific items", "certain aspects", or "particular issues".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "certain things"?

In formal writing, being specific is often preferred for clarity. However, "certain things" can be useful when the details are not important or already understood.

When is it appropriate to use "certain things" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to avoid being overly specific or when the details are implied or not critical to the context.