particular individual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular individual" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific person or individual. Example: The meeting was attended by a particular individual who had extensive knowledge on the topic.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A singular proposition is to be contrasted with a general proposition, which is not about any particular individual, and a particularized proposition, which is about a particular individual but does not contain that individual as a constituent.

SEP

To this particular individual, that's right.

The Guardian

"This particular individual would have been targeted whatever his nationality".

The Guardian

The agency spokesman said they cannot identify a particular individual.

The New York Times

"We have received no instructions to let off a particular individual or group of people".

The Guardian

I am satisfied that this particular individual has breached the terms of his license".

The New York Times

"Statistics don't say anything about any particular individual, only about groups," I said.

The New Yorker

This means that the chances of any particular individual being struck is trillions to one.

The Guardian

Gender and sex and sports and politics and race and national identity and this particular individual.

The New Yorker

"Whether it works for a particular individual is up to them," he said.

The New York Times

No particular individual fans satnd out, though; it's about a collective identity, isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "particular individual" when you want to emphasize the specificity and distinctness of a person you are referring to. It avoids ambiguity and clarifies that you are not speaking about a group or a general concept.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "particular individual" too often in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "that person" or "someone specific" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular individual" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a specific person. It is used to single out an individual from a group or general category. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "particular individual" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific person. Ludwig AI validates its frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, "particular individual" carries a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional or academic writing but potentially stilted in casual conversation. Alternative phrases like "specific person" or "certain individual" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using "particular individual", ensure it clarifies that you are referring to a distinct person and not a general group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific person

Focuses on the definiteness of the person.

one particular person

Adds emphasis to the singularity of the person.

certain individual

Emphasizes the sureness about the individual.

that specific person

Points to a person already under discussion.

designated person

Highlights that the individual has been chosen or assigned.

identified individual

Highlights the act of recognizing or finding who the person is.

the individual in question

Refers to a person who is being discussed or investigated.

named individual

Stresses that the person has been explicitly identified.

relevant individual

Highlights the importance of the person to the matter at hand.

aforementioned individual

Refers back to someone previously mentioned, more formal.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "particular individual"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "specific person", "certain individual", or "designated person".

Is "particular individual" formal or informal?

The phrase "particular individual" leans towards the formal side, often used in professional, academic, or journalistic writing. Simpler terms are generally preferred in casual conversation.

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

You can use "particular individual" to refer to a specific person being discussed. For example, "The investigation focused on a "particular individual" who had access to the company's financial records."

What's the difference between "specific person" and "particular individual"?

While both terms denote a definite person, "particular individual" often carries a slightly more formal and emphatic tone compared to the more straightforward "specific person".