he is particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is particular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has specific preferences or is very selective about certain things. Example: "He is particular about the quality of the ingredients he uses in his cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tall, with dark, arching eyebrows, he is particular about his clothes, but not flashy.

The New York Times

According to Bordeleau's Web site, he is "particular about everything, from pruning vines to the operation of the bottling line to the freshness of the wines being served in the tasting room".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He's particular".

Independent

He's particular about his medium: "I prefer film," he declares.

The New York Times

He's particular about reliability, and shudders remembering the time his noise-cancelling phones ran out of battery mid-set.

The Guardian - Tech

"When they were building this development five years ago, we had to speak to the owner of the land, because he was particular about the design.

The New York Times

And it is particular.

The New Yorker

Avoid the area the ghost is in, if (s)he is in one particular place.

WikiHow

He is very particular about things.

The New York Times

And he is very particular.

The New York Times

He is most particular about how his clothes fit, & has them made for him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he is particular", ensure the context clarifies what he is particular about. Providing specific examples enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example: "He is particular about the coffee beans he uses."

Common error

Avoid using "he is particular" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "He is particular, so things were difficult", specify: "He is particular about meeting deadlines, so coordinating schedules was challenging."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is particular" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing an individual as having specific preferences or being detail-oriented. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing someone's habits, tastes, or requirements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is particular" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe someone with specific preferences or attention to detail. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is perfectly valid in English writing. While straightforward, it is crucial to provide context by specifying what the person is particular about. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans from professional to informal contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "he is selective" or "he is meticulous" to capture different shades of meaning. Remember, clear communication involves not just stating that someone is particular, but also clarifying the specifics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is selective

Highlights his careful choices and preferences.

he has high standards

Focuses on the level of quality he expects.

he is detail-oriented

Directly describes his focus on details.

he is choosy

Similar to selective, but can imply a wider range of options.

he is exacting

Emphasizes strictness and demanding high standards.

he is discriminating

Suggests refined taste and the ability to distinguish subtle differences.

he is fastidious

Highlights extreme attention to detail and cleanliness.

he is meticulous

Stresses thoroughness and precision in every aspect.

he is scrupulous

Implies moral or ethical exactness, not just detail-oriented.

he is fussy

Implies being overly concerned with minor details, often negatively.

FAQs

How can I use "he is particular" in a sentence?

Use "he is particular" to describe someone who has specific preferences or pays close attention to detail. For example: "He is particular about the font he uses in his presentations."

What are some alternatives to "he is particular"?

You can use alternatives like "he is selective", "he is meticulous", or "he is detail-oriented", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he is particular" or "he has particular tastes"?

Both are correct, but "he is particular" generally refers to someone's general habits or preferences, while "he has particular tastes" usually refers to specific preferences in food, art, or style.

What's the difference between "he is picky" and "he is particular"?

"He is picky" often implies being overly fastidious or difficult to please, whereas "he is particular" suggests having specific preferences and standards without necessarily being negative.