get certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get certain" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where someone is trying to express the idea of becoming sure or confident about something, but it is not standard. Example: "I need to get certain about the details before making a decision."

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Employees get certain protections.

The New Yorker

Who could get certain segments out from the CPMC thing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"You only get certain kinds of opportunities at certain times".

The New York Times

There's a momentum when you get certain names together".

The New York Times

Intense efforts are made to get certain things right.

The New York Times

I'm basically going to just give you a vague feeling of how you get certain results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Sometimes, I don't know how I was able to get certain things done.

Independent

Get certain people to commit more specifically, because they are the outliers.

The New York Times

Most breeds that are recognized are developed through other breeds, through crossbreeding, to get certain characteristics.

The New York Times

It is a bit different to here, it can be too important to get certain results.

The Guardian - Sport

"I have to get certain information to the audience as quickly as possible," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid potential ambiguity, ensure the context clearly indicates what you are trying to "get certain" about. For instance, specify whether you aim to gain certainty, secure an item, or confirm information.

Common error

Avoid using "get certain" in formal or academic writing, as it can sound less professional than alternatives like "ascertain", "secure", or "obtain". Consider the tone and audience when choosing your phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get certain" functions as a phrasal verb, where "get" acts as a linking verb to describe a state change, and "certain" acts as an adjective specifying the nature of that change. This function is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in various contexts to indicate acquiring specific knowledge, items, or permissions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get certain" is a commonly used phrasal verb that expresses the act of obtaining assurance, confirmation, or acquisition. Although Ludwig AI flags that the phrase is not standard, the examples show that it is prevalent in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing. While grammatically acceptable, it is advisable to use more specific alternatives like "obtain", "ensure", or "ascertain" in formal writing to enhance precision and clarity. When aiming for precision, considering context-specific synonyms is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain specific

Focuses on the act of acquiring something particular, similar to "get certain" but emphasizes the specificity of the acquisition.

secure particular

Highlights the effort or process of ensuring the acquisition of something specific, implying a degree of effort or competition.

achieve specific

Emphasizes the accomplishment of reaching a particular goal or outcome, similar to "get certain" in contexts related to results.

acquire definite

Stresses the attainment of something clear and well-defined, similar to "get certain" when referring to information or understanding.

gain precise

Focuses on obtaining accuracy or exactness, similar to "get certain" when referring to knowledge or measurements.

ensure particular

Emphasizes the act of making sure that something specific happens or is obtained, highlighting the intention or effort.

attain specific

Similar to "achieve specific", but often implies a more formal or deliberate effort to reach a goal.

garner definite

Highlights the effort of gathering or collecting something precise, similar to "get certain" when referring to evidence or support.

receive specific

Focuses on the act of being given or provided with something particular, highlighting the reception rather than the effort to obtain it.

procure particular

Implies obtaining something with effort or care, often suggesting a specific need or purpose.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "get certain" that sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "obtain specific", "secure particular", or "achieve specific" depending on the context.

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

"Get certain" is used to express the act of acquiring or becoming sure about something. For example, "We need to get certain information before making a decision."

When is it appropriate to use "get certain" instead of a more specific verb?

While "get certain" is acceptable, it's often better to use a more specific verb that directly reflects the intended meaning, such as "ascertain", "verify", or "ensure".

What's the difference between "get certain" and "become certain"?

"Get certain" implies the process of acquiring certainty, while "become certain" describes the state of being sure. While both are similar, "become certain" places more emphasis on the resulting state of sureness.