a particular subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a particular subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific topic or area of discussion that is being highlighted or focused on. Example: "In this course, we will explore a particular subject that has significant implications for our understanding of human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Certain slashtags are automatically applied when Blekko realizes you are searching on a particular subject.

MIT Technology Review

Some of the silence surrounded a particular subject: the family's Jewishness.

The New Yorker

Traditionally, these "core" classes are designed to ease students into a particular subject.

The New York Times - Magazine

But how does a particular subject become eligible for an SAT-II test?

The New York Times

The sudden and obvious emotional withdrawal if she feels uncomfortable with a particular subject.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not many books this season concentrate on a particular subject beyond the personality of their author.

The Guardian - Books

Whose opinion would you like to read on a particular subject?

The Guardian - Opinion

Starting out as a specialist in a particular subject can actually be an advantage.

The Guardian

Israeli institutes of higher education typically offer three-year programs on a particular subject.

The New York Times

His dearth of experience in a particular subject is not unusual for him.

The New York Times - Sports

On the network is, say, Clay Christensen's little tutorial on a particular subject.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, pair "a particular subject" with strong verbs like "analyze", "investigate", or "examine" to convey a sense of scholarly inquiry.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular subject" without clearly defining or referencing the specific topic. This can lead to confusion and weaken your communication. Always ensure the reader understands which subject you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular subject" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object in a sentence. It denotes a specific area of focus or topic under consideration. Examples from Ludwig indicate usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a particular subject" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that serves to specify a topic of interest. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, from formal academic writing to informal discussions. Its versatility and clarity make it a valuable tool in effective communication. The analysis of usage patterns reveals that it is particularly common in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". When using this phrase, ensuring clear context is crucial to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific subject matter

Replaces "particular" with "specific" and adds "matter" for emphasis.

a focused topic

Highlights the concentration and emphasis placed on the "topic".

a distinct area of study

Highlights the uniqueness and separation of the "area of study" from others.

a certain topic

Substitutes "particular subject" with the broader term "topic", implying a less formal context.

a specialized field

Emphasizes the expertise and in-depth knowledge associated with the "subject".

a definite topic

Stresses the certainty and unambiguous nature of the "topic".

a given theme

Uses "theme" instead of "subject", suggesting a unifying idea or motif.

a precise theme

Focuses on the exactness and clarity of the central "theme".

a concrete subject

Emphasizes the tangible or real-world nature of the "subject".

a designated area

Replaces the abstract "subject" with the more concrete "area", implying a specific field of study or focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a particular subject" to refer to a specific topic or area of interest. For example, "The professor specialized in "a particular subject" within astrophysics."

What's a good alternative to "a particular subject"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a specific topic", "a certain area", or "a given theme".

Is it ever wrong to use "a particular subject"?

The phrase "a particular subject" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. However, ensure clarity and context. If the subject is vague, consider being more specific.

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

While similar, "a particular subject" might imply a broader field of study, whereas "a specific topic" suggests a more focused and defined area within that field.