particular questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific questions and distinguish them from general questions. For example: Over the course of the exam, the students had to answer several particular questions that targeted their specific knowledge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After 1994, most of those interviews required the answers to a few particular questions.

The Guardian

However, particular questions or themes can be broad even when they are very specific — sometimes especially when they are specific.

The New Yorker

"Someone in the position of under secretary general is never confronted with the requirement that particular questions be answered".

The New York Times

In response to particular questions, Ms. Norton insisted that she had never advocated "a right to pollute," as a line in a 1991 speech had seemed to suggest.

The New York Times

The question is, do these schools have particular problems of sexual harassment and bullying?" There is no British research addressing these particular questions.

The Guardian

The disclosures pose particular questions for Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who has run the sport's governing body, the World Chess Federation, or Fide, since 1995.

The Guardian - Sport

In particular, questions have been asked about whether an internet campaign with such a limited track record is equipped to be operating in such a brutal war zone.

The Guardian

Observation came first, because detailed observation inspires the imagination to go further, to be more systematic, and to ask more particular questions.

The Guardian - Books

— When the Palladinos were planning their wedding, they found that traditional bridal magazines were all but useless in addressing their particular questions.

The New York Times

For the purposes of her research, Dr Lyubomirsky looked at the answers 6,906 Americans had given, in four different years, to four particular questions.

The Economist

Our findings provide insights in relation to two particular questions.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, using "particular questions" helps to narrow the scope and maintain a focus on specific aspects of a topic. This demonstrates precision and clarity, which is especially useful in academic and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "particular questions" when the questions are actually broad or general. Be sure the questions have a defined, specific focus. Using it loosely dilutes its meaning and can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular questions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "particular" modifies the noun "questions". It serves to specify or limit the type of questions being referred to, differentiating them from general inquiries. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "particular questions" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote specific inquiries. According to Ludwig, its high frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media, underscores its versatility and relevance. To ensure clarity, it's important to avoid overgeneralization when using this phrase and to define what makes these questions distinct. By doing so, you can leverage "particular questions" to enhance precision and focus in your writing, ensuring your message is both clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific questions

Replaces "particular" with a synonym emphasizing precision and detail.

certain questions

Uses a different adjective to indicate definite and specific questions.

distinct questions

Focuses on the uniqueness and clarity of the questions being asked.

precise inquiries

Substitutes both words to highlight the accuracy and detail sought in the questions.

detailed queries

Emphasizes the level of detail required or expected in the questions.

specialized inquiries

Indicates that the questions pertain to a specific field or expertise.

pointed questions

Highlights the directness and relevance of the questions to a specific issue.

relevant questions

Focuses on the pertinence and applicability of the questions in a given context.

individual questions

Emphasizes that each question is considered separately and uniquely.

discrete questions

Highlights the separate and distinct nature of the questions.

FAQs

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

You can use "particular questions" to refer to specific inquiries that require detailed or focused answers. For example, "The survey addressed "particular questions" related to consumer behavior."

What are some alternatives to "particular questions"?

Alternatives include "specific questions", "certain questions", or "distinct questions", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "particular questions" or "specific questions"?

Both "particular questions" and "specific questions" are suitable for formal contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "general questions" and "particular questions"?

"General questions" cover broad topics and seek overall understanding, while "particular questions" focus on specific details or aspects of a topic and seek targeted information. One example: "The interviewer started with "general questions" before moving on to "particular questions" about the candidate's experience."