a particular

USAGE SUMMARY

"a particular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific thing, name, quality, or characteristic. For example, "I'm looking for a particular book about sailing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A particular speed?

The New Yorker

A particular travel?

The New Yorker

Stalkers are a particular problem.

Independent

Diabetes is a particular scourge.

The Economist

A particular bugbear is Cyprus.

The Economist

Italy is a particular concern.

The Economist

Libya is a particular grievance.

The New York Times

Campbell had a particular philosophy.

The Guardian

Karavitis is a particular experience.

The New York Times - Travel

Asthma is a particular problem.

The New Yorker

"It was a particular challenge".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a particular" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to one specific item or instance out of many possibilities. Be sure the context makes it clear which one you mean.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular" excessively in your writing, as it can make your language sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a specific" or rephrase the sentence for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective. It serves to single out and specify a noun, indicating that it is one specific item or instance being referred to. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular" is a versatile phrase used to specify or emphasize a single item or instance. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and its alternatives include "a specific" and "a certain". When using "a particular", ensure that the context clarifies which item you're referring to and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and flow in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific

This alternative emphasizes precision and detail in identifying something.

a certain

Implies a known but not explicitly identified item or instance.

a distinct

Highlights the unique and recognizable nature of something.

a singular

Emphasizes the one-of-a-kind nature of the item being described.

an individual

Focuses on something seen as separate from a group or category.

a unique

Underscores the unparalleled qualities of something.

a selected

Indicates that something has been chosen from a larger set.

a chosen

Similar to "a selected", but may imply a more deliberate decision.

a designated

Suggests that something has been officially or formally assigned.

a precise

Highlights accuracy and exactness in specifying something.

FAQs

How can I use "a particular" in a sentence?

Use "a particular" to specify a single item or instance. For example, "I am looking for "a specific type" of flower for the arrangement".

What's the difference between "a particular" and "a specific"?

"A particular" and "a specific" are often interchangeable, but "a particular" can sometimes imply something is known or has already been mentioned, while "a specific" simply denotes a precise item.

Which is correct, "a particular" or "particular"?

Both can be correct, but they function differently. "A particular" is used with a singular noun to indicate one specific item. "Particular" without "a" is used as an adjective to describe a quality or characteristic.

What can I say instead of "a particular"?

You can use alternatives like "a certain", "a specific", or "a distinct" depending on the context.