cannot be particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be particular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something cannot be specific or detailed. Example: "In this situation, we cannot be particular about the details, as they are still being finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Schools cannot be particular about things that students must wear based on someone else's perception of what their gender is," Clark said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For instance, he contended that the very idea of absolute motion was suspect because we can represent to ourselves only various motions with particular features related to particular bodies in motion, but "absolute" motion cannot be rendered particular in anything like this way; it remains abstract (Downing 2005: 235).

SEP

Those who claim that conscientious objectors are traitors may argue that pacifism cannot be a particular or personal choice.

SEP

Concepts cannot be limited to particular instances; rather the particular object is seen as an instance of the concept (essence).

SEP

Conclusions drawn on such test beds cannot be generalised, because particular data characteristics may favour certain learners unnoticeably.

Pattern Recognition

But that only shows (at most) that the description in question cannot be of the particular form in question.

SEP

However, it does not mean that inequality (1.8) is necessary and cannot be weakened in particular cases.

Boundary Value Problems

Obviously, our review cannot be complete: In particular, we will not cover the "early years" of computational mass spectrometry of small molecules.

Journal of Cheminformatics

However, the exact instantaneous interference created by the secondary transmitters to the primary receivers cannot be known, in particular if the primary system does not collaborate.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Postcranial elements cannot be associated with particular cranial material (or with each other), but all available cranial evidence suggests a single crocodylian species in these units.

Plosone

Resting-state data are obtained without any explicit task requirements, and therefore cannot be influenced by particular task demands.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be particular" when you want to convey that being specific or detailed is not possible or appropriate in a given situation. For instance, when initial plans are flexible, you "cannot be particular" about every detail.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be particular" in highly formal or technical documents where more precise language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "cannot be precisely defined" or "cannot be specifically determined" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be particular" functions as a modal expression indicating an inability or restriction. It expresses that specificity or detailed attention is not possible or permissible in a certain context. As Ludwig AI explains, schools "cannot be particular" about student attire based on gender perceptions, and resting-state data "cannot be influenced" by task demands.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be particular" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate an inability to be specific or selective. As noted by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey limitations or constraints. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. More formal settings might benefit from more precise language. This guide, based on real-world examples and linguistic analysis, offers insights into the proper usage and potential alternatives to "cannot be particular".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be choosy

Emphasizes a lack of selectivity or choice due to circumstances.

cannot be selective

Highlights the inability to choose only certain items or aspects.

cannot be fastidious

Focuses on the impossibility of being overly concerned with detail or accuracy.

cannot be precise

Indicates an inability to provide exact or accurate details.

cannot be detailed

Stresses the lack of capacity for thorough or elaborate explanation.

must be general

Highlights the need to remain broad and avoid specifics.

must be broad

Focuses on the necessity of a wide-ranging approach.

cannot afford to be picky

Emphasizes that the context does not permit careful selection.

cannot specify

Indicates an inability to clearly or exactly identify something.

cannot stipulate

Focuses on the lack of authority to impose conditions or requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be particular" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be particular" to indicate that being specific or selective is not possible or appropriate. For example, "Due to the limited information, we cannot be particular about the exact timeline."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be particular"?

Alternatives include "cannot be specific", "cannot be detailed", or "cannot be choosy", depending on the context.

Is "cannot be particular" formal or informal?

"Cannot be particular" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal settings.

What does it mean when someone says they "cannot be particular"?

It means they are unable to be precise, selective, or detailed about something, often due to limitations or circumstances that prevent them from being so.