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Meaning & use

certificate of

phrase·Advanced

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UK/səˈtɪf.ɪ.kət əv/
US/sɚˈtɪf.ə.kət əv/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    An official document that states or proves a particular fact, such as where goods were made.

    Grammar: Always followed by a noun naming what is certified: a certificate of origin, a certificate of deposit.

    Patterns

    • a certificate of origin
    • a certificate of deposit
    • a certificate of incorporation
    • issue a certificate of something

    The exporter sent a certificate of origin to show that the coffee was grown in Colombia.

    Customs officers will not release the shipment without a valid certificate of origin.

    She keeps her certificate of deposit in a safe at home.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Used in the names of official documents that record a legal status or an achievement.

    Grammar: The phrase works as a label for a named document, so it is usually written with the specific noun after 'of'.

    Patterns

    • a certificate of marriage
    • a certificate of good standing
    • a certificate of completion

    The bank asked for a certificate of incorporation before opening the business account.

    Students receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Common combinations

certificate of origin
The customs form asks for the certificate of origin of the goods.
certificate of deposit
He put his savings into a two-year certificate of deposit.
certificate of incorporation
New companies must file a certificate of incorporation with the state.
issue a certificate of …
The chamber of commerce can issue a certificate of origin for your exports.
a valid certificate of …
You need a valid certificate of insurance to rent the van.

Synonyms and how they differ

document
A general word for any official paper; 'certificate of' is more specific because it names exactly what is being certified.
proof
'Proof' focuses on the evidence itself, while a certificate of something is the formal paper that provides that proof.

Word family

certificate noun
The official paper itself, without naming what it certifies.
certify verb
To state officially, often in writing, that something is true or correct.
certification noun
The act or process of officially confirming something, or the document that results.

Commonly confused: certificate of or certificate? certificate of or license?

certificate of vs certificate

'Certificate' is the paper; 'certificate of' must be followed by a noun, as in 'certificate of origin'.

certificate of vs license

A license gives you permission to do something, while a certificate of something usually proves a fact or status.

Practice

Customs officials asked the exporter to provide a certificate ___ origin for the shipment.

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