of a certain kind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a certain kind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a particular category or type of something without being overly specific. Example: "The museum features artifacts of a certain kind that reflect the culture of ancient civilizations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In America celebrity of a certain kind is infinitely malleable.

The New York Times

This contribution presents the control of a certain kind of mechanical systems based on energy considerations.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

An 'action description' in C+ defines a labelled transition system of a certain kind.

Journal of Applied Logic

Babe, Terror speaks to my love of a certain kind of noise.

The New Yorker

He wasn't ready to give up his dream of a certain kind of family.

The New York Times

He was an early evoker of a certain kind of gay experience in America.

The New York Times - Books

"I think today people are very suspicious of a certain kind of ornament," he said.

The New York Times

Ellington had an idea of a certain kind of jazz: tonal, atmospheric, blues-based but elegant.

The New Yorker

But I say, let's hear it for inscrutability, at least of a certain kind.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The orderliness that governs conventional warfare is a reflection of a certain kind of psychological need.

Yale University

lt concerns the use of a certain kind of hearsay evidence in criminal trials.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of a certain kind" to introduce a specific category without providing exhaustive detail, allowing for a level of generality while still indicating a defined subset. For instance, "He had a love of music of a certain kind, favoring jazz and blues."

Common error

Avoid overusing "of a certain kind" in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Replace it with more specific terms to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a certain kind" functions as a prepositional modifier, adding detail or specification to a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that the noun belongs to a particular category or possesses specific characteristics without explicitly defining them. Ludwig confirms the phrase's proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of a certain kind" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a specific category or type without being overly explicit. Grammatically sound and commonly used, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and contextual appropriateness. While useful for indicating a general category, writers should avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise language is expected. Alternatives like "of a particular type" or "of a specific nature" can offer greater clarity when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of a particular type

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and classification of something.

of a specific nature

Highlights the inherent characteristics and qualities of something.

of a definite sort

Indicates a clear and distinct category or class.

of a given variety

Stresses the diversity and range within a category.

of a unique character

Focuses on the individuality and distinctive traits of something.

of a special breed

Suggests something superior or exceptional within its category.

of a singular form

Emphasizes the unique structure and composition of something.

of a distinct strain

Implies a specific origin or lineage within a category.

of a select class

Highlights the exclusivity and limited membership of a category.

of a precise style

Focuses on the specific manner and presentation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "of a certain kind" in a sentence?

Use "of a certain kind" to refer to a specific, but not necessarily explicitly defined, category or type. For example, "She collects art "of a certain kind", mostly abstract paintings."

What are some alternatives to "of a certain kind"?

Alternatives include "of a particular type", "of a specific nature", or "of a definite sort" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "of a certain kind"?

While specificity is often preferred, "of a certain kind" is useful when you want to indicate a category without listing all its attributes or when the exact details are not crucial to the discussion.

What's the difference between "of a certain kind" and "of a specific kind"?

"Of a specific kind" implies a more precise and well-defined category, whereas "of a certain kind" can suggest a less rigid or more generally understood category. Consider "of a specific kind" when accuracy is paramount.