English Language & Usage Asked on July 31, 2021
For example, what would be more appropriate to use and why:
‘This guy has a certain list of skills’ or
‘This guy has a specific list of skills’
I’d appreciate any other examples that would be helpful in understanding the difference between the two.
Thank you
This guy has certain skills.
The speaker has only seen partial evidence of the guy's skills; he may or may not be aware of all of them, or their overall quality. He is certain the guy has skills; it's what they all are that he's not too sure about.
This guy has specific skills.
The speaker is only referring to those skills he's aware of; he's absolutely certain the guy has them. He can specify them.
Correct answer by Ricky on July 31, 2021
'This guy has certain list of skills' or 'This guy has specific list of skills'
Neither of these are expressed as well as it could be. Both would require the indefinite article to be grammatical (“a certain list”, “a specific list”).
I would suggest:
A “list” of skills is not a common expression, and "set" is more usual, however neither is really necessary to convey the meaning desired (even if an applicant provided an actual list).
Specific is more likely to be a positive evaluation, especially in the sense that the skills he has match those that you are seeking.
"This guy has certain skills." is sometimes used to imply that, while he has some useful (relevant) skills, the set of skills might be limited or insufficient for your needs, and would often be followed by but or however.
Answered by Cargill on July 31, 2021
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