certain times

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sometimes I feel like I am in a dream, but certain times I am certain that it's reality." Yes, the phrase "certain times" is correct and can be used in written English.
It implies specific or defined moments or occasions. Example: "The restaurant is usually crowded, but at certain times of the day it can be quite peaceful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not just at certain times".

The New York Times - Sports

Certain times, yes.

The Guardian

Cameras are only appropriate at certain times.

Independent

Choosing certain roles at certain times.

The Guardian - Film

Superman has felt weak, at certain times.

The Guardian - Music

But there are certain times you should use that, and there are certain times you shouldn't.

The New York Times

We have to hit certain houses at certain times.

The New Yorker

"We bent at certain times, but we didn't break".

The New York Times - Sports

We didn't do it all that well at certain times.

The New York Times

Only at certain times can a body be sexual.

The New Yorker

Certain spots are hot at certain times, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain times" to specify particular moments when something is applicable or relevant, providing clarity and context to your statement. For instance, instead of saying "The library is open", specify "The library is open at certain times during the weekend".

Common error

Avoid using "certain times" without providing any context or criteria for those times. Be specific or offer further explanation to ensure the reader understands when those "certain times" occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying when an action or state occurs. Ludwig AI examples indicate that it is used to denote specific instances or periods, providing context to the action described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain times" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to refer to specific moments or periods, according to Ludwig AI. Its high frequency across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing, confirms its wide acceptance. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide context or criteria when using "certain times", avoiding vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "specific moments" or "particular occasions" to fine-tune your writing and maintain precision. Ultimately, understanding and applying these nuances will enhance the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some instances

Simple and widely accepted substitution.

specific moments

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing precision.

particular occasions

Substitutes "times" with "occasions", focusing on events rather than general periods.

defined periods

Replaces "certain times" with an emphasis on well-defined durations.

designated moments

Highlights moments that have been specifically assigned or chosen.

select instances

Emphasizes choosing specific examples or occurrences.

given instances

Focuses on instances that are provided or presented.

precise junctures

Uses more formal language to indicate exact points in time.

occasional instances

Highlights instances that occur from time to time.

irregular intervals

Highlights that the frequency of time is uneven.

FAQs

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

Use "certain times" to refer to specific moments or occasions when something is true or applicable. For example, "The discount is only valid at "certain times" of the day".

What are some alternatives to saying "certain times"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "specific moments", "particular occasions", or "designated moments".

Is it better to say "at certain times" or "during certain times"?

Both "at certain times" and "during certain times" are grammatically correct. "At certain times" emphasizes a specific point in time, while "during certain times" emphasizes a period or duration. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "certain times" and "sometimes"?

"Certain times" refers to specific, identifiable occasions, while "sometimes" refers to unspecified, occasional occurrences. "I only eat chocolate at "certain times", like birthdays", but "I "sometimes" eat chocolate when I'm stressed".