on a certain topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on a certain topic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a topic that requires more detailed discussion than can be provided in the sentence. For example, "The council discussed the implications of the new policy on a certain topic for more than an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"What's interesting is having lots of these accounts is that they can manipulate what's seen by many audiences in the world, so the more accounts you have picking on a certain topic the more the topic gets pushed up to trend". "Having those bots makes people believe that this is what people in the Gulf are talking about," he said.

BBC

When you take the time to explain something clearly or to put together a list of useful resources on a certain topic, why should only one person benefit?

Harvard Business Review

Our analysis shows that the decision to write or not to write an article on a certain topic is not a random one.

EPJ Data Science

Groupboard (2016) is one such DC platform which allows participants to collaborate on a certain topic through text, audio and video chats.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

All transcripts were carefully read by these two researchers and the most significant statements in each transcript regarding a domain (area of discourse on a certain topic or phenomenon) were selected by one of them to give a short but representative version of the entire dialogue on that domain.

BMC Family Practice

Searching for scientific publications online is an essential task for researchers working on a certain topic.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Hashtags have developed as a way for Twitter users to quickly search and find posts on a certain topic.

The New York Times

And readers are already using Google Book Search to round up minilibraries on a certain topic — all books about Sweden, for instance, or books on clocks.

The New York Times - Magazine

These study designs can be useful tools for summarizing the increasing amount of knowledge that is gained from scientific papers on a certain topic.

Kidney International

None of those postings advanced my virtual whale watch, which left me with one last option in the grass roots travel community: Web sites that offer services for people to create groups focused on a certain topic.

The New York Times - Travel

While hashtags can make it easy to search for and find posts on a certain topic (like #avengersmovie or #OaklandAs) across the Twitter service, some users include them as jokes within the message (as in #ineedavacation).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a certain topic" to introduce a specific area of discussion when the exact topic might not be immediately clear or when you want to keep it somewhat broad.

Common error

Avoid using "on a certain topic" repeatedly in close proximity. Opt for more specific language or vary your phrasing to maintain clarity and engagement. Vague phrasing can make your writing appear less focused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a certain topic" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It serves to specify the subject or area of focus being discussed. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a versatile phrase used to introduce a particular subject in a broad sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a certain topic" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase for specifying a subject of discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While suitable for various contexts, including news and science, you may choose more precise language for scientific or formal writing. The phrase is common, as evidenced by its numerous occurrences in the provided examples, across diverse sources. Remember to avoid overuse and consider more specific phrasing to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding a specific subject

Uses "regarding" and "specific subject" instead of "on" and "certain topic", implying a more direct focus.

concerning a particular issue

Replaces "topic" with "issue" and "certain" with "particular", suggesting a problem or matter of public interest.

with respect to a given theme

Employs "with respect to" and "theme", indicating a broader or more abstract subject area.

in relation to a defined area

Substitutes "on" with "in relation to" and "topic" with "area", conveying a focus on a specific field or scope.

pertaining to a selected matter

Uses "pertaining to" and "matter", suggesting relevance and significance to the subject at hand.

about a known subject

Replaces "certain topic" with "known subject", implying the topic is recognized or acknowledged.

dealing with a precise point

Substitutes "on" with "dealing with" and "topic" with "point", focusing on a specific detail or aspect.

focused on a designated theme

Uses "focused on" instead of "on" and "designated theme", suggesting a predetermined or assigned subject.

centered around a set subject

Employs "centered around" and "set subject", emphasizing a fixed or established topic of interest.

regarding an identified issue

Changes "concerning" for "regarding", issue for topic and adds a adjective to emphasis that the issue is identified by someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a certain topic" to introduce or specify the subject of a discussion, research, or writing. For example, "The conference will feature several experts speaking "regarding a specific subject"".

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

Alternatives include "concerning a particular issue", "with respect to a given theme", or "pertaining to a selected matter", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "on a certain topic" instead of being more specific?

Use "on a certain topic" when you want to keep the subject somewhat broad or when the specific details are not yet known or relevant. If you are talking to someone and they have more knowledge "with respect to a given theme", asking for their advice will flatter their ego.

Is "on a certain topic" formal or informal?

"On a certain topic" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For a more formal tone, you might consider alternatives like "in relation to a defined area". For an informal tone you can use phrases like "about a known subject".