in certain

USAGE SUMMARY

"in certain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to specific circumstances or situations. Example: In certain cases, it is necessary to take action to protect the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prevent cuts in certain programs?

The New York Times

In certain degrees, I guess.

The New York Times

"Some people feel comfortable in certain situations.

The New York Times - Sports

"But Romário is surprising in certain ways.

The New York Times - Sports

The news has reverberated in certain circles.

The New York Times - Science

It could be dangerous in certain situations".

The New York Times - Sports

But in certain stretches, they ooze.

The New York Times

And in certain ways, it has.

The New York Times - Sports

(Some are still available in certain cities).

The New York Times - Arts

Both also use peyote in certain rites.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jurisdictional immunity exists in certain contexts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in certain" to introduce specific conditions or limitations. This helps to clarify the scope of your statement and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain" as a vague qualifier. Always specify the conditions or contexts you are referring to. For instance, instead of saying "This is true in certain situations", specify which situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain" functions as a prepositional modifier, adding specificity or limitation to a statement. Ludwig examples confirm that it introduces particular conditions or instances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to qualify statements and specify conditions or circumstances. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, it is crucial to specify the conditions you are referring to in order to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "in specific" or "under certain circumstances" may be used to add emphasis or formality. By understanding the proper usage and potential pitfalls of "in certain", writers can enhance the clarity and precision of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in specific

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing particularity.

in particular

Similar to "in specific", highlighting a particular instance.

under certain circumstances

Adds emphasis on the conditional aspect, making it more formal.

in some cases

Focuses on instances where something is true, less formal.

on occasion

Indicates that something happens sometimes, but not always.

in select

Focuses on selecting from a range of possibilities.

for some

Denotes that something is applicable only to a subset of people or things.

subject to

Highlights a condition or dependency.

depending on

Emphasizes that something varies based on specific conditions.

conditional on

Highlights the dependency on specific conditions being met.

FAQs

How to use "in certain" in a sentence?

Use "in certain" to specify conditions or situations where something is true or applicable. For example, "In certain cases, additional precautions are necessary."

What can I say instead of "in certain"?

You can use alternatives like "in specific", "in particular", or "under certain circumstances" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in certain cases" or "in some cases"?

Both "in certain cases" and "in some cases" are correct, but "in certain cases" implies a more specific or defined set of circumstances than "in some cases".

What's the difference between "in certain" and "depending on"?

"In certain" introduces a condition or situation, while "depending on" emphasizes that the outcome varies based on different conditions. For example, "In certain situations, the rules may be waived" versus "The outcome depending on the weather."