gets certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets certain" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the idea of becoming sure or certain about something, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "As the deadline approached, she gets certain about her decision to move forward with the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As one survivor of the siege noted in an online comment, 11 Bit gets certain things right, particularly the feeling of an ad-hoc existence lacking in comforts.

The New Yorker

We've seen what happens when an airline adopts a four-tier elite system, i.e. United Airlines, where the lowest tier gets certain benefits, such as a free checked bag, priority security line, priority boarding, etc., but the most coveted elite benefit -- upgrade opportunities -- become almost non-existent to the fourth elite tier on a route with any popularity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Employees get certain protections.

The New Yorker

"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

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

Independent

People with Type 2 diabetes tend to have a higher risk of getting certain cancers.

The New York Times - Health

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

"You've got certain yows that you want to put through a certain tup.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "gets certain" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives like "becomes certain" or "gains certainty".

Common error

Avoid using "gets certain" because it lacks precision. Instead, specify what is being obtained or what is becoming certain to ensure clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets certain" functions as a verb phrase, although it's grammatically questionable. It attempts to convey the action of obtaining something specific or achieving a state of certainty. Ludwig AI flags it as needing clarity, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets certain" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity in standard English. Ludwig AI also identifies it as problematic. While it appears in some contexts, like news and media, its usage is infrequent and should be avoided in formal writing. More appropriate alternatives include "becomes certain", "gains certainty", or "obtains specific", depending on the intended meaning. Therefore, writers should strive for precision and grammatical correctness by choosing clearer alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes certain

Focuses on the process of achieving a state of certainty.

gains certainty

Emphasizes acquiring a confirmed understanding.

obtains specific

Highlights the act of acquiring or receiving particular items.

secures particular

Suggests a more proactive and deliberate effort to gain certain things.

achieves specific

Focuses on accomplishing particular goals or outcomes.

acquires certain

Directly means to come into possession of something specific.

receives specific

Highlights the act of being given or granted particular things.

attains specific

Focuses on the effort required to reach or gain something.

ascertains certain

Emphasizes the act of finding something out for certain.

ensures specific

Highlights the act of making sure that specific conditions are met or items are received.

FAQs

What does "gets certain" mean?

The phrase "gets certain" is not standard English. It's likely intended to mean becoming sure about something, but it is grammatically incorrect and vague.

What can I say instead of "gets certain"?

Consider using phrases like "becomes certain", "gains certainty", or "obtains specific" depending on the context.

Is "gets certain" grammatically correct?

No, "gets certain" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It should be replaced with a more appropriate phrase.

How to use "becomes certain" in a sentence?

You can use "becomes certain" to indicate a shift in understanding. For example, "As she reviewed the evidence, she becomes certain of his innocence".