can be particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be particular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing specific preferences or characteristics of something or someone. Example: "Some people can be particular about the types of food they eat, preferring organic or locally sourced ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And there can be particular problems with services run on top-down lines.

The Guardian

On set at the Embassy, he sensed that Assange, who can be particular about how his likeness is disseminated, felt safe.

The New Yorker

(Of course, labels can be particular or general, as reference can be to an individual, as in the "JFK" example above, or, severally, to all the members of a set, as with "blue" with respect to all blue items).

SEP

This is a difference between Jano and other policy enforcement systems, making it possible to define a set of meta-policies that can be particular to a domain, and letting users/administrators to instantiate them with the specific values they want.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

The differently shaped and sized materials can be particular useful in achieving different NC packing densities in solid state NC-based devices.

Chemistry of Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Cellphones can be a particular problem.

The New York Times

This can be a particular challenge in contract management.

The Guardian

Clothing can be a particular problem for the family.

The New York Times

This can be a particular problem for Japanese companies.

The Economist

That can be a particular hazard for people with allergies.

The New York Times

Receiving calls on the cellphone can be a particular annoyance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using the phrase. In formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym like "discerning" or "selective". In informal settings, "choosy" or "fussy" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "can be particular" without specifying the object or area of focus. For instance, instead of saying "He can be particular", specify "He can be particular about the brand of coffee he drinks" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be particular" functions as a descriptor, indicating a tendency to have specific preferences or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by examples where it modifies nouns, clarifying the extent of someone's individual preferences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be particular" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something with specific preferences or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While versatile, it is relatively rare, and alternative phrases like "may be selective" or "might be discerning" may be more appropriate for formal contexts. When employing "can be particular", provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Common usage appears in news and scientific sources, but careful consideration should be given to the intended audience and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be choosy

"Choosy" is a more informal way of saying "particular", suitable for casual contexts.

could show preferences

This alternative focus is on the act of demonstrating preferences.

may be selective

This alternative uses "selective" to emphasize the act of choosing carefully, suggesting a deliberate preference.

may have specific preferences

This alternative focuses on the existence of defined preferences, clarifying the nature of being "particular".

might be discerning

"Discerning" implies a higher level of taste and judgment compared to "particular".

might have exacting standards

This alternative emphasizes the high level of the standards in question.

may insist on specifics

This focuses on the act of requiring precise details.

could be fastidious

"Fastidious" suggests an extreme attention to detail and cleanliness, making it a stronger term than "particular".

can be demanding

"Demanding" suggests that the person or thing requires a lot of effort or attention.

might be detail-oriented

"Detail-oriented" suggests that a person focuses on the small aspects, paying high attention to the details.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be particular" to describe someone or something that has specific preferences or requirements. For example, "Chefs "can be particular" about the ingredients they use".

What's a more formal alternative to "can be particular"?

More formal alternatives include "may be selective" or "might be discerning". These options add a layer of sophistication suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it okay to use "can be particular" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "can be particular" might be considered too informal for some academic writing. Consider using more precise language, such as "may have specific preferences" or "might have exacting standards", depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "can be particular" and "can be demanding"?

"Can be particular" suggests having specific preferences, while "can be demanding" implies requiring a lot of effort or attention from others. The former focuses on preference, the latter on requirements.