from a certain supplier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a certain supplier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying the origin of a product or service, indicating that it comes from a particular vendor without naming them directly. Example: "We received the materials from a certain supplier, ensuring they met our quality standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In another example, we were told to buy pipette tips from a certain supplier.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In particular, we considered probabilistic transportation disruptions that may halt product supply from certain suppliers.

Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review

At the time, the company was still reeling from a six-year lawsuit brought on in 1994 by franchisees irked that the company required them to buy products only from certain suppliers.

Forbes

WKY obtained from certain suppliers have been suggested to model the inattentive subtype of ADHD, while other studies have suggested that WKY may be used as a model of anxiety or depression [ 44, 52- 54].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

A piece from a certain artist?

WikiHow

Ellie and Anna are equally messianic about using British flowers, but buy them from New Covent Garden market, where certain suppliers, such as Zest Flowers and Pratley, specialise in the home-grown stuff.

Independent

Commissions are the same rate for each supplier so there isn't a bias for certain suppliers over others, according to Kulkarni.

TechCrunch

In the process they are freeing thousands of smaller businesses from the tyranny of keiretsu relationships where they were tied to certain suppliers and buyers in a semifeudal arrangement.

Forbes

Examples abound of local chiefs siphoning off a little bit here and there from aid budgets, or insisting aid agencies use certain suppliers.

The Economist

Unsatisfactory performance has resulted in certain suppliers being blacklisted.

Globalization and Health

"So there was a certain amount of supplier-induced demand".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from a certain supplier", ensure the context clarifies why the supplier isn't explicitly named (e.g., confidentiality agreements, ongoing negotiations).

Common error

Avoid using "from a certain supplier" when specific details would enhance credibility. If possible, provide the supplier's name or relevant qualifications to build trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a certain supplier" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It specifies the origin or source of something, indicating it comes from a particular, though not explicitly named, supplier. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts ranging from scientific research to business practices, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from a certain supplier" serves to indicate the source of something without explicitly naming the supplier, often for reasons of confidentiality or when the supplier's identity is not essential to the context. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely frequent, it appears in diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reports, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear why the supplier isn't named and that the lack of specificity doesn't undermine the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a specific vendor

Replaces "certain supplier" with "specific vendor", highlighting a particular seller.

supplied by a specific company

Replaces "from a certain supplier" with "supplied by a specific company", clarifying the source as a company.

sourced from a particular vendor

Emphasizes the act of sourcing and replaces "certain" with "particular", indicating a known but unspecified vendor.

obtained from a designated provider

Uses more formal language, replacing "supplier" with "provider" and "certain" with "designated", conveying a sense of formality.

provided by a designated source

Focuses on the act of providing, replacing "supplier" with "source" and "certain" with "designated", implying a planned or official origin.

acquired from a select distributor

Replaces "supplier" with "distributor" and "certain" with "select", adding a nuance of exclusivity.

procured from a defined source

Uses "procured" instead of "from", adding a sense of formal acquisition and replacing "certain" with "defined".

delivered by a particular provider

Focuses on the delivery aspect, replacing "supplier" with "provider" and "certain" with "particular".

coming from a known source

Highlights the origin as a "known source", which is similar to a "certain supplier".

originating from a selected vendor

Highlights the point of origin, using "selected vendor" instead of "certain supplier".

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "from a certain supplier" instead of naming the supplier?

It's appropriate when the supplier's identity is confidential, commercially sensitive, or irrelevant to the core message. For example, you might say, "The component was sourced "from a certain supplier" due to a non-disclosure agreement".

What are some alternative ways to phrase "from a certain supplier"?

You can use alternatives like "from a specific vendor", "sourced from a particular vendor", or "obtained from a designated provider", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to be specific about the supplier, or is "from a certain supplier" acceptable?

Specificity is generally preferred for transparency and credibility. However, ""from a certain supplier"" is acceptable when naming the supplier is not possible or necessary, but make sure the reason is clear to your audience.

How does using "from a certain supplier" affect the tone of my writing?

It can create a tone of mystery or discretion. However, it can also sound evasive if not justified. Ensure your audience understands why the supplier isn't being named explicitly.