some certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some certain" is not correct and is not used in written English.
Rather, you may use "some" or "certain" depending on the context. For example, "I'm not sure what he's doing, but I'm certain it's something important."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On some certain issues they certainly knew".

The Guardian

Healthy foods can be culprit in some certain diseases.

Harvard University

However, for self-compactability, the paste phase must meet some certain criteria at fresh state.

Cement and Concrete Research

There are some certain side effects for shift work documented in occupational references.

Sleep Medicine

Interestingly, for some certain states the Hopf bifurcations are both subcritical and supercritical.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Note: there may be some certain background file types that this script cannot locate.

Harvard University

For some, certain issues have become even more acute under the current leadership.

The New York Times

Rationing of some certain commodities has already begun as supermarkets run out of provisions.

The Guardian

For some certain spin rates, the passive stability criterion obtained from the rigid model may become invalid.

Aerospace Science and Technology

Those missing capabilities can greatly help for some certain nuclear tools designs, such as a nuclear lithology/mineralogy spectroscopy tool.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

If the similarity score reaches some certain value, then the system will automatically recognize the new face.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "some certain" in formal writing. Opt for either "certain" or "some", depending on whether you want to emphasize the definiteness or the quantity. For example, instead of "some certain problems", consider "certain problems" or "some problems".

Common error

The phrase "some certain" includes two limiting adjectives where one is sufficient. Using both weakens the writing and can confuse the reader. Prefer stronger, more concise word choices to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some certain" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. While intending to specify or limit the noun, Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically incorrect because it uses two determiners with similar meanings redundantly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "some certain" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect due to the redundant use of two determiners. It appears across various contexts, including science, news, and academia but is best avoided in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "certain", ""specific"", or "some" to enhance clarity and precision. Avoiding "some certain" will improve the quality and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain

Removes the redundant "some", focusing directly on the quality of being definite or sure.

some specific

Replaces "certain" with "specific" to emphasize particularity, retaining "some" to indicate a limited quantity.

certain specific

It corrects the grammatical error but maintains emphasis on both certainty and specificity.

particular

Uses "particular" to denote a specific or distinct item or aspect, avoiding the redundancy.

specific

Focuses on the detailed and definite nature of what is being referred to.

some

Indicates an unspecified amount or number, suitable when the exact quantity isn't important.

a few specific

This alternative is more precise, specifying a small number of particular items.

several specific

Implies more than a few but less than many, emphasizing a limited and defined set.

a number of specific

Indicates an indefinite but not large quantity, with emphasis on distinct items.

select

Highlights the act of choosing specific items from a larger group.

FAQs

Why is "some certain" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "some certain" is generally considered redundant because both words serve to limit or specify a noun. Using "certain" alone usually suffices. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is not correct.

When is it appropriate to use "some" instead of "some certain"?

Use "some" when you want to indicate an unspecified quantity or number. For example, "There are "some issues" that need to be addressed."

What are better alternatives to "some certain" in formal writing?

In formal writing, it's best to use more precise language. Instead of "some certain", consider using alternatives like "certain", "specific", or "particular" depending on the context.

How does using "some certain" affect the clarity of my writing?

Using "some certain" can make your writing less clear and more wordy. Choosing stronger, more concise language will enhance the impact and precision of your message.