Why is it "Certain" rather than "Some"?

CatherineB2Kwiziq community member

Why is it "Certain" rather than "Some"?

I'm a little confused. In the lesson above it said "Before the noun, certain/certaine means 'some' or 'particular': it retains a vagueness here. After the noun, the meaning of certain is similar to the English one of being 'sure, certain, unquestionable'." Yet in the example "Certain projets sont faciles" means "Certain projects are easy." Why is it "Certain" and not "Some"? Many thanks Catherine
Asked 7 years ago
GruffKwiziq team memberCorrect answer
Hi Catherine - because in this context "certain" has the same meaning as "some", so either word is appropriate. It's not about which word to use, but which *meaning* we are conveying: certainty versus a vague quantity/specificity. Does that make sense?

Why is it "Certain" rather than "Some"?

I'm a little confused. In the lesson above it said "Before the noun, certain/certaine means 'some' or 'particular': it retains a vagueness here. After the noun, the meaning of certain is similar to the English one of being 'sure, certain, unquestionable'." Yet in the example "Certain projets sont faciles" means "Certain projects are easy." Why is it "Certain" and not "Some"? Many thanks Catherine

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...