a particular person

USAGE SUMMARY

"a particular person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone in a specific context or situation. For example: "This task requires a particular person with the right qualifications to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were sent to a particular person (at least as particular as a personal ad can convey).

The New York Times - Magazine

"They don't remember a particular person.

The New York Times

It's a particular person who rises up the tour.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that we have a particular person in mind.

The New York Times

Was he/she based on a particular person?

The Guardian - Film

Their problem is finding evidence to convict a particular person of a crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

(It may, for instance, be motivated by attraction to a particular person).

The New York Times - Magazine

Why or why not? –How does a particular person or symbol take on different meanings?

The New York Times

There are always going to be chimps who have a particular dislike of a particular person.

The New York Times - Science

They also say they "anonymize" the data, so it cannot be linked to a particular person.

The New York Times

That's not being a real fan, just rooting for a particular person".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a particular person" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to a specific, identifiable individual rather than just anyone. It adds a layer of precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular person" when making general statements about people. In such cases, use "people", "individuals", or "someone" for broader applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular person" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as an indefinite singular noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific, though unnamed, individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular person" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific individual without explicitly naming them. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When employing this phrase, ensure it adds necessary precision and isn't used in overly general statements. Alternatives such as "a specific individual" or "the person concerned" can provide nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific individual

Replaces "person" with "individual" and "particular" with "specific", emphasizing uniqueness.

the person concerned

Refers to the person who is most relevant to the situation.

the individual involved

Implies that the person has some sort of connection or engagement with what's being discussed.

a certain person

Uses "certain" instead of "particular", implying a degree of specificity but potentially less emphasis.

a relevant person

Highlights the person's importance or connection to a specific matter.

a given person

Suggests someone predetermined or already identified.

a specific party

Uses "party" instead of "person", which might be suitable in more formal contexts.

an individual in question

Implies that the person is under discussion or scrutiny.

a designated person

Emphasizes that the person has been officially chosen or appointed.

a noteworthy individual

Emphasizes that the person is important or remarkable.

FAQs

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

Use "a particular person" when you want to single out an individual from a larger group. For example, "The investigation focused on "a particular person" known to have been at the scene."

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

While similar, "a particular person" emphasizes that the person is noteworthy or relevant in some way, while "a specific person" simply highlights their distinct identity. Both phrases can often be used interchangeably, but the subtle nuance can make one more appropriate than the other depending on the context.

Are there instances where using "a particular person" is not appropriate?

Yes, avoid using "a particular person" in very general statements or when the individual's specific identity is irrelevant. In those cases, broader terms like "someone" or "anyone" might be more fitting.

What can I say instead of "a particular person"?

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