look for something particular

USAGE SUMMARY

"look for something particular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the action of searching for a specific thing. For example: "I went to the store to look for something particular; a red sweater for my grandfather."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I used to go into special collections to look for something in particular, but on each side of it there's something that's more interesting or more of a surprise".

The New York Times

"We're really looking for something special".

BBC

And the computer doesn't need to be reprogrammed if security also wants to look for something else, say a particular car: a search for a "red rectangle" with "circles" will do.

MIT Technology Review

I always try to look for something else; something different.

The New York Times

"I want to look for something here.

The New Yorker

Look for something to happen soon.

Forbes

"And so you look for something else".

BBC

You gotta look for something different".

Wikipedia

If I'm fired from my present job than I will look for something else.

Human Resources for Health

Look for something outside yourself.

WikiHow

Look for something you like.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look for something particular" to clearly convey the act of searching for a specific item or quality, avoiding vagueness in your communication.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by ensuring "particular" adds meaningful specificity. If the context already implies specificity, "look for something" might suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look for something particular" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of searching with a defined objective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct for describing a targeted search.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look for something particular" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe searching with a specific goal in mind. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While examples are currently absent, the phrase's construction and intended meaning are clear, making it suitable for various contexts where specificity in a search is emphasized. Alternatives such as "seek a specific item" or "search for a specific item" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

search for a specific item

Synonymous, but emphasizes the searching action.

look for a certain item

Uses "certain" as a synonym for "particular".

seek a specific item

Focuses on the act of seeking rather than the searching aspect.

try to find a particular thing

Emphasizes the effort to locate something.

find a particular item

Shifts the focus to the successful outcome of locating the item.

try to locate a particular thing

Focuses on determining the exact location of something.

hunt for a specific thing

Implies a more active and intentional search.

seek out a specific object

Implies a dedicated and focused search.

be on the lookout for something specific

Suggests a state of readiness to find something when it appears.

be in search of something specific

Highlights the ongoing nature of the search.

FAQs

How can I use "look for something particular" in a sentence?

You can use "look for something particular" to describe the act of searching for a specific item. For instance: "I need to go to the hardware store to look for something particular: a very fine-toothed saw."

What can I say instead of "look for something particular"?

You can use alternatives such as "seek a specific item", "search for a specific item", or "find a particular item depending on the context.

Which is correct, "look for something particular" or "look for a particular something"?

"Look for something particular" is generally preferred. "Look for a particular something" is grammatically correct but less common and may sound awkward in some contexts.

What's the difference between "look for something particular" and "look for something specific"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "Particular" emphasizes individuality, while "specific" stresses exactness. The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. You could also use: "look for something unique".