on a certain day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a certain day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific day in the past, present, or future. For example, "I remember the day I first saw her--it was on a certain day in March."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was useful for seeing Event invites and wall posts in one place, and seeing nearby happenings on a certain day.

TechCrunch

I couldn't think of one to equal the others so I said, "We meet on a certain day each week".

The Guardian

And they're regular, arriving always on a certain day, at a certain time.

Harvard Business Review

We had someone who promised us concrete information, a meeting on a certain day.

The Guardian

Let's say, for instance, that we know there will be an important vote in the Senate on a certain day.

The New York Times

The manager "found out at 12 45 on a certain day, and she gathered us all immediately.

The New York Times

The complaint was positive and absolute in alleging that petitioner on a certain day and at a specific place 'did receive (and) conceal' heroin.

Cornell University

For instance, a bird begins its migration on a certain day because fluctuations in daylight have a specific impact on the bird's endocrine system.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Then one comes to Abner Hope (Alec B. Francis), an elderly fanatic on astronomy who believes that the world is coming to an end on a certain day.

The New York Times

Advocates often ask supporters to wear a particular color of clothing on a certain day or purchase bracelets or show other signs of support for a cause.

The Washington Post

He told me that he would be hiking east on highway TX-73 somewhere outside of Winnie, Texas, on a certain day in early June.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a certain day" when you want to refer to a specific day without revealing the exact date. It's useful when the precise date is unknown, unimportant, or confidential.

Common error

Avoid using "on a certain day" too frequently in close proximity. Vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement and clarity. If the context allows, providing a more specific timeframe enhances understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a certain day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an event or action occurs. It introduces a degree of vagueness or generality regarding the exact date. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a certain day" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a specific but unspecified point in time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While offering a degree of vagueness, it allows speakers and writers to reference a particular day when the exact date is unknown, unimportant, or deliberately obscured. Alternatives like "on a specific date" or "on a given day" can provide more precision when needed. Remember not to overuse vague language, and ensure to provide a certain time range to enhance understanding for your readers and/or listeners.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a specific date

Replaces "day" with "date" for increased precision.

on one particular day

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness of the day.

on a designated day

Suggests a day that has been officially chosen.

on a given day

Implies the day is already known or understood.

on a scheduled day

Specifies that the day is part of a plan or timetable.

on a fixed day

Indicates the day is unchangeable.

on a selected day

Highlights the act of choosing the day.

on a chosen day

Similar to "selected day" but with a slightly more formal tone.

on that day

Refers back to a day previously mentioned.

at some point

Offers a less specific alternative, implying an unspecified time.

FAQs

How can I use "on a certain day" in a sentence?

You can use "on a certain day" to refer to a specific day that is either unknown or unimportant to specify. For example, "The event will take place "on a certain day" in October."

What are some alternatives to "on a certain day"?

Alternatives include "on a specific date", "on one particular day", or "on a given day", depending on the context and level of specificity required.

Is it better to say "on a certain day" or specify the exact date?

It depends on the context. Use "on a certain day" when the precise date is not crucial or is unknown. If the exact date is important, provide it for clarity. For example, use it when the exact date is not yet known, but the event is scheduled "on a scheduled day".

What does "on a certain day" imply?

"On a certain day" implies that a particular day exists but is either not specified or not relevant to the context. This can be useful when generality is preferred over precision.