a certain

[mmasny]

What's correct:
certain word
or
a certain word?

'A certain' sounds bad too me. I think 'certain' carries the meaning of 'a' itself. What's the usus?

 

[Barb_D]

I'm trying to think of a sentence with "certain word" that does NOT include the word "a" and can't.

I'm sure a member of the forum who loves to prove people wrong will find one, though.

Can you write a couple sentences where you'd want to use it?

 

[mmasny]

E.g.
I have certain word in mind./I have a certain word in mind.

 

[Barb_D]

For sure, use "I have a certain word in mind."

Word is still a countable noun and it needs an article (in the singular), which is a role that "certain" can't play.

 

[mmasny]

Thank you!