are very particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very particular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has specific preferences or standards about something. Example: "She is very particular about the quality of the ingredients she uses in her cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of the symptoms are very particular.

The Guardian

"Italians are very particular about their pastry".

The New York Times

"We are very particular about our food," Ms. Bokalo said.

The New York Times

Moreover, they are very particular about their delusions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are very particular buttons they want pushed, and if you push them, they'll buy it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many of the terms are very particular, to say the least.

The New York Times

"People here are very particular about who's Canadian and who isn't," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

But these are very particular artists, who write what they care about.

The New Yorker

Cancer patients are very particular about how much truth they want to know and when.

The Guardian - Opinion

One staff member ventured, "The toy stores around here are very particular".

The New York Times - Arts

"We are very particular with shoes, because they are such personal items.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are very particular", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is particular about to avoid ambiguity. For example, "They are very particular about the cleanliness of their kitchen."

Common error

Avoid using "are very particular" without providing clear context or examples, as it can leave the audience wondering what specific aspects are being emphasized. Always clarify the object or area of their particularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very particular" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of specificity or choosiness in someone's preferences or requirements. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

12%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are very particular" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe someone's specific preferences or high standards. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in neutral contexts such as news and media, and academic writings. When using "are very particular", clarity is key, ensuring the context specifies the object or area of their particularity. Alternatives such as "are highly selective" or "have exacting standards" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuances. Overall, this phrase is a valuable tool for emphasizing specificity in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are particular about

A more concise form, maintains the core meaning but simplifies the structure.

are highly selective

Implies a careful choice based on high standards, adding a stronger emphasis on the selection process.

are extremely meticulous

Focuses on the attention to detail and precision in their preferences, highlighting thoroughness.

have exacting standards

Emphasizes the high level of the standards they adhere to, suggesting a strict and rigorous approach.

are quite discerning

Suggests an ability to make fine distinctions and appreciate subtle qualities, adding a layer of sophistication.

are rather fastidious

Highlights a concern for cleanliness and order, implying a strong dislike of anything unpleasant.

are very discriminating

Similar to "discerning" but can also imply a more critical or judgmental attitude towards choices.

are choosy about

A more informal way to say someone is selective, often implying a wide range of options to choose from.

are fussy about

Implies a degree of pickiness that might be seen as excessive or annoying to others.

pay close attention to

Focuses on the act of giving careful consideration to something, rather than having inherent preferences.

FAQs

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

You can use "are very particular" to describe someone's specific preferences or high standards regarding something. For instance, "The chefs "are very particular about" the freshness of the ingredients they use."

What can I say instead of "are very particular"?

You can use alternatives like "are highly selective", "have exacting standards", or "are quite discerning" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "are very particular"?

While "particular" itself implies a degree of specificity, using "very" emphasizes the extent to which someone has specific preferences. It's not necessarily redundant, but consider whether the emphasis is needed for clarity.

What's the difference between "are particular" and "are very particular"?

While both phrases convey that someone has specific preferences, "are very particular" intensifies the degree of specificity and importance attached to those preferences compared to the simpler "are particular".