on a certain subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a certain subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific topic or area of discussion. Example: "The professor gave a lecture on a certain subject that intrigued all the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Instead, conciliationism is a view about the bearing of one kind of evidence: evidence regarding what epistemic peers believe on a certain subject matter.

SEP

Whose opinion would you like to read on a certain subject?

The Guardian - Opinion

An opinion leader can be any person to whom others look for guidance on a certain subject.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And when I write essays, I want to relate something on a certain subject or a certain theme.

The New York Times - Books

"Humor puts a light on a certain subject," said Mr. Porchat, 30, who has more Twitter followers than Romário de Souza Faria, the outspoken Brazilian soccer legend who is now a federal legislator.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, September 26 , 1942P. 11 A lieutenant on duty with the Navy in Washington got instructions to prepare a dossier of information on a certain subject.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Children often enjoy looking back at what they worked on a year ago, very often revisiting a certain subject.

WikiHow

Typically, university classes are split into 3 different types: Lectures: A talk on a certain academic subject presented by a professor or other expert in the field.

WikiHow

For example, if the two of you like to debate, agree to do so in a respectful manner and within specific parameters (e.g. only at the bar with friends, never on that certain subject that turns you both into irrational psychopaths, absolutely positively never in the bedroom, etc).. Try to understand where he or she is coming from.

WikiHow

For example, if the two of you like to debate, agree to do so in a respectful manner and within specific parameters (e.g. only at the bar with friends, never on that certain subject that turns you both into irrational psychopaths, absolutely positively never in the bedroom, etc).

WikiHow

But while I can't always get to the truth on many matters, on certain subjects there is universal agreement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a certain subject" when you want to indicate that you are referring to a specific topic without necessarily revealing what that topic is. It's useful when the subject is already understood in the context or when you want to keep it vague for stylistic reasons.

Common error

Avoid using "on a certain subject" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Over-reliance on vague language can make your writing seem unclear and less engaging. If possible, be specific about the subject to enhance clarity and reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a certain subject" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying the topic or area of focus. It adds detail and context to the statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a certain subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. It serves to specify a topic without necessarily naming it explicitly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and strive for specificity when clarity is paramount. Common contexts for this phrase include news and media, science, and encyclopedic content. Related phrases like "regarding a specific matter" and "concerning a particular topic" offer alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a well-defined subject

Emphasizes that the subject in question has specific boundaries or a clear scope.

concerning a particular topic

Replaces "subject" with "topic" and "certain" with "particular", offering a slight variation in word choice while maintaining similar meaning.

concerning a designated matter

Replaces "subject" with "matter" and "certain" with "designated" for a formal variation, suggesting authority.

regarding a specific matter

Uses "regarding" and "matter" to convey the idea of focusing on something specific, indicating a subtle shift towards formality.

pertaining to a precise issue

Uses "pertaining to" and "issue" to suggest a focus on a specific problem or matter at hand, creating a more formal context.

with respect to a given theme

Employs "with respect to" for a more formal tone and swaps "subject" with "theme", indicating a focused discussion.

addressing a unique theme

Suggests the theme is original and singular.

in relation to a defined area

Substitutes "in relation to" and "area" for a broader, more general reference to a topic, implying a scope of discussion.

focused on a distinct question

Highlights a specific question that is being addressed, changing the focus from a broad subject to a specific inquiry.

discussing a selected area

Focuses on the act of discussing an area.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a certain subject" to refer to a specific topic of discussion or area of expertise, as in, "She is an expert "on a certain subject", but I'm not sure exactly what it is."

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

Some alternatives include "regarding a specific matter", "concerning a particular topic", or "with respect to a given theme". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "on a certain subject"?

It's appropriate when you want to refer to a topic without being overly specific or when the topic is implied or already understood. Avoid using it when clarity is paramount; in such cases, be explicit about the subject.

Is there a difference between "on a certain subject" and "on a particular subject"?

The phrases are very similar, with "particular" substituting for "certain". The difference is subtle; "on a certain subject" might imply the subject is known within a limited context, while "on a particular subject" simply emphasizes that the subject is specific.