certain type of person

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain type of person" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a specific group or category of people. Example: "She has a tendency to date a certain type of person - tall, dark, and handsome with a love for adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Roland's clothes make you into a certain type of person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

Does he look out for a certain type of person?

The Guardian

There's a certain type of person who is snobby about package holidays.

The Guardian - Travel

For a certain type of person, this is all very appealing.

The New Yorker

It takes a certain type of person to thrive in this context.

The Guardian

Being a good undercover officer takes a certain type of person.

The New York Times

In fact, it reinforces the idea that only a certain type of person can do science.

The Guardian

But like me, Fowler finds himself wondering "whether cricket attracts a certain type of person, or cricket makes you a certain type of person".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the defining features of the "certain type" to help readers understand the intended categorization.

Common error

Avoid using "certain type of person" without providing specific examples or characteristics. Overgeneralizing can lead to stereotypes or misunderstandings. Instead of saying 'Only a certain type of person would enjoy this', specify 'Someone adventurous and with a strong stomach would enjoy this dish'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain type of person" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It's used to categorize or generalize about individuals who share common characteristics. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "certain type of person" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to classify individuals based on common attributes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English, finding frequent use in news and media, though also suitable for business contexts. While effective for generalizations, ensure clarity by providing specific characteristics associated with the identified "type". Related phrases such as "particular kind of person" or "specific sort of individual" can add subtle variation, but providing clarifying details is key to prevent overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular kind of person

Replaces "type" with "kind", offering a slightly more formal tone.

specific sort of individual

Substitutes both "type" and "person" with synonyms, altering the phrasing while retaining the core meaning.

a certain breed of person

Uses "breed" instead of "type", implying inherent characteristics or qualities.

the kind of person who

Shifts the focus to describing someone based on their actions or traits.

individuals of a particular stripe

Employs "stripe" as a metaphor for type, adding a touch of colorful expression.

people of a certain persuasion

Focuses on beliefs or leanings that define a group.

those of a specific ilk

Uses "ilk" to denote a category, sounding more formal and slightly archaic.

individuals fitting a specific profile

Implies a set of defining characteristics that categorize individuals.

persons of a given character

Highlights the character traits that define a category of people.

those who possess certain attributes

Broadly describes people based on shared qualities or traits.

FAQs

What does it mean to refer to a "certain type of person"?

Referring to a "certain type of person" means categorizing individuals based on shared traits, behaviors, or characteristics. It implies that these individuals have something in common that sets them apart or defines them as a group.

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

You can use "certain type of person" to describe a group with similar attributes. For example, "It takes a "certain type of person" to enjoy extreme sports", suggesting that those who enjoy such activities share specific traits like adventurousness and risk-tolerance.

What are some alternatives to saying "certain type of person"?

Alternatives include phrases like "particular kind of person", "specific sort of individual", or "a certain breed of person", which offer slightly different nuances in meaning while still conveying the idea of a particular category of individual.

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

In many cases, being specific is preferable. While "certain type of person" can be a useful shorthand, providing concrete examples or characteristics helps avoid ambiguity and potential misunderstandings. Instead of simply saying "a "certain type of person"", consider specifying "someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys problem-solving".