certain topics

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain topics" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific subjects or issues that are being discussed or addressed. Example: The teacher asked the students to write an essay on certain topics related to social justice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There are certain topics we want to approach," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a lack of awareness on certain topics.

The Guardian

Translators have grown weary of being associated with certain topics.

The Guardian - Books

Certain topics aren't covered enough; others too much.

The New York Times

Certain topics are off-limits for the competitive duo.

The Washington Post

Certain topics — politics, ethnic identity — are rarely discussed.

The New York Times - Travel

Predictably, he added, certain topics that stir strong opinions among technology readers produce spikes in traffic.

The New York Times

I also thought perhaps to advance the dialogue on responsible disclosure on certain topics.

The Guardian - Opinion

But certain topics were strong indicators of a bestseller, regardless of genre.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, at least on certain topics, both Ron and Rand could sound like moderates!

The Guardian - Opinion

Certain topics were therefore off limits, explained the presenter, including politics, religion, and sex.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain topics", ensure the context provides enough clarity, or explicitly state which topics you are referring to for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "certain topics" without providing enough context, as this can lead to confusion. Always aim to clarify what specific subjects you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain topics" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It references specific subjects without explicitly naming them, allowing for discretion or generalization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

21%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain topics" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It acts as a noun phrase, primarily used to refer to specific subjects in a selective or generalized manner. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into various communication styles. It is used to refer to specific subjects or areas of discussion, often with an implication of selectivity or restriction. As the examples curated by Ludwig show, this phrase appears most often in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, highlighting its broad applicability in contemporary writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific subjects

Focuses on the exactness or particularity of the subjects being referred to.

particular themes

Highlights the thematic aspect, suggesting a recurring idea or motif.

select issues

Emphasizes the process of choosing or singling out specific matters.

designated areas

Implies a more formal or structured categorization of subjects.

defined subjects

Stresses clarity and precision in the scope of the topics.

given themes

Suggests that the topics have been pre-arranged or assigned.

specified subjects

Similar to 'specific subjects' but emphasizes the act of explicitly stating them.

limited discussions

Implies that the range of discussion is intentionally restricted.

restricted matters

Focuses on the idea that the subjects are controlled or not openly accessible.

taboo subjects

Highlights the sensitive or prohibited nature of the topics.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain topics" to refer to specific subjects being discussed. For example, "Certain topics are off-limits during family dinners".

What are some alternatives to using "certain topics"?

Alternatives include "specific subjects", "particular themes", or "select issues" depending on the specific context.

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

While "certain topics" is grammatically correct, being more specific enhances clarity. Instead of "certain topics were avoided", consider stating "politics and religion were avoided".

When is it appropriate to use "certain topics" instead of listing the topics?

Use "certain topics" when listing all topics is impractical or when the focus is on the act of topic selection rather than the topics themselves. For example, "The survey focused on certain topics related to climate change".