certain type of

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain type of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific kind of thing or person. For example: "The recipe calls for a certain type of flour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A certain type of author.

The New York Times - Books

She's a certain type of candidate.

The Guardian

It's all a certain type of book.

The Guardian - Books

A certain type of dependency is mandatory.

The New York Times

Of a certain type of actor.

The Guardian - Film

That wields a certain type of power.

The Guardian - Film

It takes a certain type of character to be freelance.

The Guardian

Too in-your-face for a certain type of Tory.

The Guardian

So, for a certain type of person, that's great".

The Guardian - Film

It takes a certain type of person to do this.

The Guardian

"It takes a certain type of person to do it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "certain type of" with specific examples or further descriptions to narrow down the intended meaning for your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "certain type of" without providing context. Overuse can make your writing sound vague and uninformative. Ensure you provide enough detail or examples to clarify what you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain type of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It indicates that something belongs to a specific, but not necessarily explicitly named, category. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Lifestyle

15%

Culture

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain type of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate membership in a specific category without needing to provide exhaustive details. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It functions as a determiner phrase that helps generalize or categorize information. While alternatives like "specific kind of" or "particular variety of" exist, "certain type of" offers a balance of generality and specificity suitable for neutral communication. To use it effectively, avoid overuse without providing sufficient context, and clarify the intended meaning with examples or further descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific kind of

Focuses on the particularity and exactness of the type.

particular variety of

Emphasizes the diverse range within the category.

distinct form of

Highlights the unique characteristics of the type.

specialized sort of

Implies a specific application or purpose.

precise nature of

Underscores the accuracy and detail of the type.

definite class of

Indicates a clearly defined category.

designated category of

Suggests a formally assigned grouping.

a given species of

Implies a natural or biological classification.

a unique brand of

Suggests the type is very different from other ones.

individual strain of

Implies differences within the type.

FAQs

How can I use "certain type of" in a sentence?

You can use "certain type of" to refer to a specific category without being overly precise. For example, "This recipe requires a "certain type of flour" for the best results."

What are some alternatives to using "certain type of"?

Alternatives include "specific kind of", "particular variety of", or "distinct form of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

While specificity is often preferred, "certain type of" is useful when the exact detail isn't essential or when you want to avoid being overly prescriptive. It allows for flexibility and broader interpretation.

What's the difference between "certain type of" and "specific type of"?

"Certain type of" implies a known but unspecified category, while "specific type of" suggests a clearly defined and identified category. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight precision or generality.