The difference between Certain and Some

When used as determiners, certain means having been determined but not specified, whereas some means a certain proportion of, at least one.

When used as pronouns, certain means unnamed or undescribed members (of), whereas some means a certain number, at least one.


Certain is also noun with the meaning: something certain.

Certain is also adjective with the meaning: sure, positive, not doubting.

Some is also adverb with the meaning: of a measurement: approximately, roughly.

check bellow for the other definitions of Certain and Some

  1. Certain as an adjective:

    Sure, positive, not doubting.

    Examples:

    "I was certain of my decision."

  2. Certain as an adjective (obsolete):

    Determined; resolved.

  3. Certain as an adjective:

    Not to be doubted or denied; established as a fact.

  4. Certain as an adjective:

    Actually existing; sure to happen; inevitable.

    Examples:

    "Bankruptcy is the certain outcome of your constant gambling and lending."

  5. Certain as an adjective:

    Unfailing; infallible.

  6. Certain as an adjective:

    Fixed or stated; regular; determinate.

  7. Certain as an adjective:

    Not specifically named; indeterminate; indefinite; one or some; sometimes used independently as a noun, and meaning certain persons; see also "one".

  1. Certain as a pronoun (with ''of''):

    Unnamed or undescribed members (of).

    Examples:

    "There where serious objections to certain of the proposals."

  1. Certain as a noun (with "the"):

    Something certain.

  1. Some as a pronoun:

    A certain number, at least one.

    Examples:

    "'Some enjoy spicy food, others prefer it milder."

  2. Some as a pronoun:

    An indefinite quantity.

    Examples:

    "Can I have some of them?"

  3. Some as a pronoun:

    An indefinite amount, a part.

    Examples:

    "please give me some of the cake; everyone is wrong some of the time"

  1. Some as an adverb:

    Of a measurement: approximately, roughly

    Examples:

    "I guess he must have weighed some 90 kilos."

    "'Some 30,000 spectators witnessed the feat."

    "'Some 4,000 acres of land were flooded."

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