a particular question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific question that is being discussed or considered. Example: "I would like to address a particular question that has been raised during our meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A prototype should answer a particular question when tested.

Stanford University

If you don't know the answer to a particular question, just be honest about it.

Columbia University

We identify commonly encountered pitfalls in the process of connecting a particular question to an appropriate database.

Annals of Emergency Medicine

If the Koran did not speak clearly to a particular question, how was the law to be determined?

The New York Times - Magazine

I've spent hours on the internet and rifling through books but haven't been able to answer a particular question.

Cornell University

Fiduciary duties only become important to the extent that the statute has not preempted a particular question.

Harvard University

If a patient has a particular question and needs privacy, they can simply telephone one of the plan's pharmacists.

The New York Times

When he can't find the data he needs to answer a particular question, he goes out and gets it.

The New York Times

(Even with thousands of exams, plagiarism was noticeable, since one person scored all responses to a particular question).

The New York Times

Assign your students (13 and up, please) a particular question or have them scroll through all our questions to find some that interest them.

The New York Times

This is a page of what are called "cross-tabs," a comparison of how different demographic groups answered a particular question.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a particular question", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the question distinct or noteworthy. Be specific to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular question" when any question would suffice. The phrase implies a degree of importance or specificity that should be justified by the context. Overuse can make your writing sound inflated or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular question" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "question". It specifies that the question being referred to is not just any question, but a specific one. This is supported by Ludwig, confirming its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

27%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular question" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the specificity of a question. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to focus attention on a distinct inquiry within various contexts. It is especially common in scientific, academic, and news-related writing, but it's versatile enough for use in a wide array of communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies what distinguishes the question to avoid unnecessary emphasis. Remember alternatives such as "a specific question" or "a certain question" exist if a more tailored nuance is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" for a more formal tone.

a certain query

Uses "query" instead of "question", implying a search for information.

a given question

Emphasizes that the question is already established or presented.

a precise question

Highlights the accuracy and detail of the question.

a distinct question

Indicates that the question is clearly differentiated from others.

a targeted question

Suggests the question is aimed at a specific aspect or issue.

a focused question

Implies the question is concentrated on a narrow topic.

a selected question

Conveys the idea that the question was chosen from a set of options.

a unique question

Highlights that the question is unlike others, possibly original.

a relevant question

Stresses that the question is applicable and important to the current context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a particular question" to emphasize a specific question you want to focus on or that is especially relevant. For example: "I want to address "a particular question" regarding the budget."

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

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

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

The correct phrasing is ""a particular question"". Omitting the article "a" makes the phrase grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "a particular question" and "a general question"?

"A particular question" refers to a specific, focused inquiry, while "a general question" refers to a broad, open-ended inquiry.