there are certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there are certain" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to a few specific things that can be identified from a larger group. For example: "There are certain safety precautions I take every time I go out for a jog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are certain constants.

The New Yorker

"There are certain failings.

The Guardian - Music

There are certain types.

The Guardian

"There are certain advantages.

The Guardian - Film

There are certain exceptions.

The New Yorker

"There are certain things we know happened.

The New York Times

There are certain unifying themes, however.

The New Yorker

There are certain visas that we accept.

The New York Times

But there are certain red lines.

The Guardian

There are certain transformations, rewards and punishments.

Independent

Yet there are certain to be survivors.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there are certain", ensure you provide context or clarify what makes those things 'certain' or distinct to avoid vagueness. For example, clarify which type of exception you are talking about to make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "there are certain" as a filler phrase without providing specific examples or clarifying the criteria for 'certainty'. Be precise about what you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are certain" functions as an existential quantifier, indicating that some specific, but not necessarily named, entities or conditions exist. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there are certain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the existence of specific items or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While versatile, its use should be deliberate to ensure specificity and avoid vagueness. Its prevalence across diverse fields like news, science, and academia underscores its broad applicability. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to clarify what makes those things "certain" or distinct, thereby enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified cases exist

Highlights the fact that particular examples exist, adding a layer of formality and precision.

particular instances exist

Emphasizes individual cases that can be found, adding a layer of formality and precision.

a few things exist

Indicates that a small number of items exist; the phrase keeps the basic meaning while expressing that there are a reduced amount of things.

selective cases are present

Selective expresses the nature of selecting specific cases and highlights the fact that some examples can be seen, observed or found.

some things exist

Focuses on the existence of unspecified but implied specific items; the general concept is kept, but is expressed less precisely.

some examples can be found

Highlights the fact that some examples can be seen, observed or found.

some exist

The sentence is shorter and less specific; the sentence keeps the core meaning without any precision.

it is undeniable that some exist

It uses the structure of saying that something is undeniable in order to put emphasis on its existence.

a few are present

Emphasizes the presence of multiple unspecified items. It is less direct about existence and more about location.

some are available

Highlights the availability rather than inherent existence, it changes the focus towards availability and conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "there are certain" in a sentence?

Use "there are certain" to introduce specific items or conditions. For example, "There are certain rules you must follow" indicates specific, non-negotiable guidelines.

What phrases are similar to "there are certain"?

Similar phrases include "some exist", "a few things exist", or "specified cases exist", each conveying a slightly different nuance of existence and specificity.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "there are certain"?

In many cases, yes. While "there are certain" is grammatically correct, being specific (e.g., "Three key rules apply") often improves clarity and precision.

How does "there are certain" differ from "there are some"?

"There are certain" implies a level of specificity or importance, whereas "there are some" is more general. Use "there are certain" when those items are particularly important or distinct.