certain work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific tasks or projects that are not explicitly named but are understood in context. Example: "The team was assigned to complete certain work that required specialized skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though she will admit to a certain work ethic.

The Guardian - Film

There's a certain work ethic, a certain attitude, a certain humility.

The New York Times

Indeed, we value it highly in certain work settings, such as airport security.

The New York Times

Technology has changed, he said, and so must "certain work practices that make the port noncompetitive".

The New York Times

In certain work those realities are embodied in old-fashioned analog format.

The New York Times - Arts

Graphic designers might allow unlimited copying of certain work as long as it is credited.

The New York Times

Certain work that seems benign on the surface has a disquieting underside.

The New York Times - Arts

In addition to the payments identified in the documents, I did not pay for certain work and services.

The New York Times

He says: "I'm flattered to have been asked to take part before, but due to certain work commitments was unable to.

Independent

He says he avoided certain work assignments at his job of refurbishing and assembling outdoor amusement rides if he thought they would make his lip condition worse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

While there were certain work-related hazards - the arrests, for example - Mr. Long said he could pull in $200 during a four- or five-hour shift.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain work", ensure the context makes it clear what work you're referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing additional details or examples if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "certain work" excessively without providing sufficient context. Over-reliance on vague terms can confuse readers. Instead, aim for greater specificity by naming the task or project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain work" functions as a determiner + noun construction. It indicates a specific but unspecified task or duty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. The determiner "certain" modifies the noun "work", narrowing it down to a particular instance or type.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to denote specific, yet unnamed tasks. As validated by Ludwig AI, it fits seamlessly into diverse contexts, spanning from news and media to scientific and formal business environments. While the phrase is versatile, it's essential to maintain clarity by providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. For increased precision, alternatives such as "specific tasks" or "particular assignments" can be employed. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for a broad range of writing scenarios, provided the surrounding context supports its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific task

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing a well-defined and particular task.

particular job

Substitutes "work" with "job" to denote a specific employment or activity.

designated assignment

Emphasizes the assignment aspect of the work, implying it has been officially assigned.

selected duty

Highlights that the duty has been chosen or specified for a particular purpose.

defined project

Focuses on a structured project with clear boundaries and goals.

stipulated task

Suggests the task is required or has been previously agreed upon.

prescribed activity

Indicates an activity that has been formally set or directed.

exact work

Focuses on the precision and accuracy required in the task.

precise endeavor

Emphasizes the need for accuracy and care in a particular undertaking.

clear objective

Highlights the clarity and achievability of the goal in a specific task.

FAQs

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

"Certain work" can be used to refer to specific tasks or responsibilities without explicitly naming them. For example: "The team was assigned to complete certain work before the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "certain work"?

Alternatives to "certain work" include "specific tasks", "particular assignments", or "designated duties" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "certain work" or specify the task?

Specifying the task is generally better for clarity, but "certain work" is appropriate when the specific tasks are already understood or when you want to avoid being too detailed. If you want clarity, use for example "specific tasks".

What does "certain work" imply in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, "certain work" often implies tasks or projects that are confidential, specialized, or require specific skills. It can also refer to work that is part of a larger, undefined project.