of certain vs of a certain

Both "of certain" and "of a certain" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Of certain" is used when referring to specific, known things or qualities, while "of a certain" is used when referring to an unspecified or unidentified thing or quality.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 942 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"of certain"

This phrase is used when referring to specific, known things or qualities. It is often used to emphasize the definiteness or specificity of something.

Examples:

I have a list of certain items that need to be purchased.
She possesses a level of certain knowledge about the topic.
The company has achieved a level of certain success in the market.

Show examples from the web [+]

One importer requested the exclusion of certain footwear with mechano-therapeutic applications.
The Community is a major consumer of certain tropical fishery products.
This measure is intended to help partly resolve the problem of the availability of certain veterinary medicinal products.
Subject: Non-allied status of certain EU Member States
Presence of certain medicinal substances not authorised as feed additives
Subject Exemption of small quantities of certain goods for private use.
I am also fully aware of the political importance of certain other aspects raised by the proposed amendments.
Hh... the DEA pays a reward for the apprehension of certain criminals.
Introduces a general clause to safeguard workers' rights, safeguarding the coverage of certain amounts owed.
The irresponsibility of certain elected representatives and the barely disguised complicity of the authorities have contributed to this racist explosion.
These particular circumstances with regard to the Community industry increased the confidential nature of certain data provided during the investigation.
To take account of the food customs of certain northern countries, derogations were specified.
This may result in the further depopulation of certain disadvantaged areas.
A reference on the classification of certain biocidal substances according to the community legislation in force is necessary.
All the attention paid to this issue reflects the strong anti-Israeli sentiments of certain speakers.
Better distinction of the cases when the sale of certain non-approved components is allowed or prohibited.
The security will be supported by direct agreements with the contracting parties in respect of certain important contracts.
Adaptation of certain standard information requirements for microbial biocides through the addition of qualifying sentence to the introductory text.
This has led to a differing application of certain exclusions across Member States.
Indicator 4c Evolution of quantities of certain local agricultural products in the smaller Aegean islands.

Alternatives:

certain of
certain that
certain to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"of a certain"

This phrase is used when referring to an unspecified or unidentified thing or quality. It is often used to indicate a vague or unknown aspect of something.

Examples:

She has a certain charm that captivates everyone.
He possesses a certain skill that sets him apart.
There is a certain mystery surrounding the old house.

Show examples from the web [+]

She knew some of a certain Laura.
I am happy because of a certain picture she posted.
Miss Passolides, you've seen a copy of a certain document.
The murder of a certain Mr. Bosley Gravel.
We're calling upon the communal spirit of a certain time and place.
Both restriction and acceptance of a certain risk are important in this context.
It's the memory of a certain taste.
And it's all the fault of a certain Miss Angela...
Results obtained from suitable in vitro methods may indicate the presence of a certain dangerous property.
Within you are the memory patterns of a certain carbon unit.
Probably rich... of a certain age.
Most... of a certain class anyway.
Determines influence or total impact of a certain fractal.
Women need to feel beautiful and loved, especially those of a certain age.
Just as long as it's a robbery of a certain importance.
He intended to check on the family register of a certain person.
Porphyria is a rare genetic disorder That causes an overproduction of a certain protein.
"actress of a certain age" syndrome.
A headline regarding mass awareness of a certain avian variety.
She's a woman of a certain age but still attractive.

Alternatives:

a certain amount of
a certain type of
a certain level of

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of certain vs of a certain

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