particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "particular" is a valid word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is specific or unique. For example: "He has a particular taste in clothes that sets him apart from others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You don't like a particular policy or a particular president?" he said.

The New York Times

"This case has raised attention around the world, with particular concern around Mr Hill's intellectual disability," said Annabelle Malins, the British consul general.

The Guardian

It had everything else: more than 30 shots, one red card, three penalties, none of which were, three very particular celebrations, points proven, and 10 goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlikely to be as pleasant on the eye, but no less explosive, that particular showdown is scheduled for Saturday, with the fixture generator having unwittingly maximised excitement among Iceland's football followers by pitting the Premier League's two potential title winners against each other on the final day of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

They're not trying to palm you off with dodgy clothes; it's just their particular method of stock keeping, but it's worth checking they've given you the right size.

The Guardian - Travel

"The last thing we want to do is to make people panic or fearful but I think we need to have a very considered approach in terms of Australia's role in treating this particular problem and its global response," said the AMA president, Brian Owler.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.18am ET16 18 This is rather sharp: You don't like a particular policy, or a particular president?

The Guardian

That means Germany, in particular, has to decide what guarantees it is prepared to give and what it wants to see in return.

The Guardian - Business

But the problem for the likes of Bably and Madbouly is that there are also those who doubt this particular dream will ever reach reality.

The Guardian

But while rural dwellers in particular chafe at restrictions and heavy-handed enforcement – which has included forced abortions – many in cities are used to the policy and seem largely indifferent, or like the idea of increasing their families but worry about the financial impact.

The Guardian

Where Yellen falls short, however, is in her connections to any particular cabal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in particular", ensure it logically introduces a specific instance or example related to the preceding general statement.

Common error

Avoid using "particular" in phrases where it doesn't add significant meaning. For example, instead of saying "in this particular case", consider simply saying "in this case" if the context is already clear.

Linguistic Context

The word "particular" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to specify a certain aspect, item, or characteristic. Ludwig confirms this, showcasing it used to denote something specific or distinct, narrowing down a general concept to a focused instance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particular" functions as an adjective used to denote specificity and distinctiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this word is considered grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, mainly in news and media. When using "particular", make sure to avoid redundancy and aim for clarity. Consider using synonyms such as "specific" or "distinct" to enhance your writing. "Particular" is a versatile word; however, context is paramount for ensuring accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific

Focuses on a precise and clearly defined item or detail.

distinct

Emphasizes the unique and easily recognizable nature of something.

certain

Indicates a definite or known element.

individual

Highlights the separate and unique nature of a single entity.

special

Suggests something is unique or exceptional in quality or character.

precise

Stresses accuracy and attention to detail.

singular

Emphasizes the uniqueness and one-of-a-kind nature of something.

definite

Implies clarity and certainty, leaving no room for ambiguity.

unique

Highlights the unparalleled nature of something, setting it apart from others.

isolated

Suggests something is separated and considered on its own.

FAQs

How can I use "particular" in a sentence?

You can use "particular" to specify something specific or distinct, like "He has a "particular interest" in history" or "She was very "particular about" her food".

What are some synonyms for "particular"?

Some synonyms for "particular" include "specific", "distinct", "certain", and "individual", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in particular" or "particularly"?

"In particular" and "particularly" are both correct, but they function differently. "In particular" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a specific example or detail, while "particularly" is an adverb used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

What's the difference between "particular" and "peculiar"?

"Particular" refers to something specific or distinct, while "peculiar" refers to something strange or unusual. For example, "He had a "particular reason" for being late," versus "He had a "peculiar habit" of talking to himself".