in certain stores

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in certain stores" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific locations where products or services are available, without specifying all possible locations. Example: "You can find this brand of shoes in certain stores across the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In certain stores, there was outright confusion.

The New York Times

A black doctor or dentist could not live outside particular neighbourhoods, nor eat in certain establishments, nor be served in certain stores.

The Guardian

Android phones shine in choice: you can get a huge screen, for example, a memory-card slot or N.F.C. chips (near-field communication — you can exchange files with other N.F.C. phones, or buy things in certain stores, with a tap).

The New York Times - Tech

After that, we checked the proportions of loyal clients in certain stores.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

People become accustomed to shopping in certain stores and become comfortable there, be it at the high end or at discounters.

Forbes

Namely, customers were told by employees in certain stores that they were obligated to buy bundles of add-ons if they wanted the sought-after Xbox 360s although the chain as a whole advertised the consoles as individual items for sale.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However, certain stores in minority communities in cities including Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse would not take any customer checks, said Juanita Scarlett, a spokeswoman for Mr. Spitzer.

The New York Times

"We've been in the food business a long time," he said, but only recently has a mandate gone out to certain stores in competitive areas to start offering weekly tastings and food presentations.

The New York Times

In the study, Chase Manhattan Bank, handed out smartcards that had cash loaded onto them and could be used to make purchases at certain stores in the city.

Forbes

Whether you think that that 4p off is all you deserve for giving the store the valuable information that someone buys a coffee in a certain store at a certain time of day at a certain frequency is another question.

The Guardian

If he or she is interested in a certain store or a product, a transmitter sends the information (product descriptions, discounts, relevant URLs) to the person's cell phone.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in certain stores", ensure the context makes it clear why those specific stores are being singled out. This could be due to availability, promotions, or unique characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "in certain stores" without providing additional context or information about which stores are being referred to. Vague references can confuse the reader and diminish the statement's usefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain stores" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the location or scope of an action or state. It indicates that something is true or applicable only to a limited or particular set of stores. As shown in Ludwig, this highlights selective availability or conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain stores" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is limited to specific retail locations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While it's generally acceptable, remember to provide adequate context to avoid vagueness and confusion. Alternative phrases like "at select stores" or "in specific stores" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. Understanding these nuances enables more precise and effective communication, allowing writers to tailor their language to the intended message and audience. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at select stores

Focuses on the exclusivity or chosen nature of the stores.

in specific stores

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the stores in question.

at particular stores

Highlights the individual nature of the stores being mentioned.

in designated stores

Suggests the stores were officially chosen or appointed.

in a limited number of stores

Stresses the restricted availability of something.

at authorized retailers

Implies official approval or licensing of the stores.

in participating stores

Indicates stores are actively taking part in a promotion or scheme.

in exclusive outlets

Highlights the high-end or unique nature of the stores.

in a few shops

Uses more informal language to indicate a small number of stores.

in some stores

General way of referring to a non-specific and limited set of stores.

FAQs

What does "in certain stores" mean?

The phrase "in certain stores" means that something is available or happens only in some, but not all, stores. It implies a selection or limitation.

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

You can use "in certain stores" to indicate limited availability, such as: "This exclusive product is only available in certain stores."

What can I say instead of "in certain stores"?

You can use alternatives like "at select stores", "in specific stores", or "at particular stores" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in certain stores" or list the specific stores?

Listing the specific stores provides more clarity. Use "in certain stores" when the list is too long or the specific stores are not the focus of the message.