there are certain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there are certain of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; a more appropriate construction would be "there are certain" followed by a noun or "there are certain of them." Example: "There are certain aspects of the project that need further discussion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There are certain of these so-called rivalries that create so much attention that it's almost like the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

"As a global company, we don't design our products for particular national markets but there are certain of our watches, the Constellation line, for example, which are especially popular in China.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now, there are certain rules of interpretation, for the proper understanding of all legal instruments.

Huffington Post

Of course, this being Britain, there are certain connotations of class.

The New York Times

There are certain acts of terrorism that are illegal under federal law regardless of motivation.

Huffington Post

There are certain ways of cutting.

The New York Times - Travel

There are certain kinds of illnesses that seem to cause great distress to doctors; and there are certain kinds of patients that medicine seems almost incapable of helping.

The Guardian - Books

When you're young there are certain expectations of what adult life will be like.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are certain types of answers that ought not be provided by an individual," he wrote.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There are certain types of people who are struggling and we want to help them.

The Guardian

There are certain aspects of our industry, which in my belief are better organised in Europe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor clearer alternatives like "there are certain [noun]" or "there are some [noun]" to improve readability and avoid grammatical ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "there are certain of" when a simpler construction like "there are certain" followed by a noun is more direct and grammatically sound. This reduces potential confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are certain of" is typically used to indicate the existence of particular instances or items within a larger group. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is not the most grammatically sound construction, suggesting alternatives like "there are certain" or "there are some" are preferable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "there are certain of" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as a grammatically questionable construction. Clearer and more direct alternatives, such as "there are certain" followed by a noun or "there are some", are generally preferred for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. Its usage spans across neutral registers in news, media, and scientific contexts, but aiming for precision in phrasing enhances overall writing quality. Therefore, consider replacing it with alternatives to improve readability and avoid potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are some

This is a more general way of indicating the existence of a non-specific quantity of something, differing by being less formal and specific.

there are specific

This alternative directly emphasizes that certain items are being distinctly identified, changing the sentence structure slightly.

certain ones exist

This phrase reorders the emphasis, highlighting the existence of particular entities, and is structurally distinct.

particular instances occur

This option uses more formal language, focusing on the occurrence of specific events or cases.

some elements are present

This alters the wording to denote the presence of select components, shifting from 'certain' to 'some'.

there are select

This variant replaces 'certain' with 'select', maintaining specificity but with a more refined tone.

specified items are available

This phrase highlights the availability of clearly indicated items, adding a dimension of accessibility.

definite cases exist

This uses 'definite' to stress the unambiguous nature of the cases being referred to, offering a slight adjustment in meaning.

identifiable aspects are

This option emphasizes the recognizability of certain aspects, changing the sentence's focus.

precise conditions apply

This version stresses the exactness of the conditions, making it suitable for more formal or technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "there are certain of" in a sentence?

While "there are certain of" is sometimes used, it's generally better to use "there are certain" followed by a noun (e.g., "There are certain rules") or "there are some".

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "there are certain of"?

Consider using alternatives such as "there are some" or "there are specific" to improve clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "there are certain of" considered formal or informal?

Due to its grammatical ambiguity, "there are certain of" is generally not considered appropriate for formal writing. Opt for more direct and clear alternatives in formal contexts.

When might "there are certain of" be acceptable, and when should I avoid it?

While rarely acceptable, it's best to avoid "there are certain of" altogether. Replace it with clearer constructions like "there are certain" followed by a noun or use "there are some". In any case, make it followed by 'them'.