particular talent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "particular talent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific skill or ability that someone possesses, often in a context where you want to highlight that uniqueness. Example: "She has a particular talent for painting that sets her apart from other artists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you have any particular talent(s)?

The New York Times

Rosalind defines an actress's particular talent.

The Guardian

Rocque displayed a particular talent for mob oratory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"My particular talent needed to come on slowly".

The New Yorker

Ken Cazan's direction shows a particular talent for physical violence.

The New York Times - Arts

Choreographing for an arena show is a particular talent.

The Guardian

Vendela Vida's heroines have a particular talent for suffering.

The New York Times - Books

clearly wants to maintain the health and wellness of this particular talent".

The New York Times

Unlike them, it's never been entirely clear what he does, what particular talent he possesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

She wrote, but I didn't think she had any particular talent as a writer.

The New York Times - Arts

Maggie O'Farrell's particular talent is for hinting at the disquiet that lurks beneath our relationships.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "particular talent", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the talent lies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of the "particular talent". Ensure the description aligns with the actual observable skill level.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "particular talent" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "particular" modifies the noun "talent". This phrase typically identifies a specific and noteworthy ability that someone possesses, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "particular talent" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a specific skill or aptitude. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its versatility across different communication settings. While "particular talent" is often used to highlight unique capabilities, remember to provide context and avoid overstating the significance of the talent. Alternatives like "specific ability" or "unique skill" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific ability

Focuses on the ability itself, emphasizing its distinct nature.

unique skill

Highlights the uniqueness of the skill, setting it apart from others.

distinct gift

Emphasizes the inherent and special nature of the talent.

special aptitude

Focuses on a natural inclination or suitability for something.

remarkable expertise

Highlights the high level of skill and knowledge in a specific area.

exceptional proficiency

Emphasizes the high degree of competence in a particular skill.

innate capability

Highlights the inborn nature of the ability.

natural flair

Focuses on the ease and grace with which someone performs a skill.

inherent strength

Focuses on an embedded or essential capacity for something.

personal forte

Highlights a person's strong point or area of excellence.

FAQs

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

You can use "particular talent" to describe someone's specific skill. For instance, "Her "particular talent" was in creating sophisticated branding campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "particular talent"?

Alternatives include "specific ability", "unique skill", or "distinct gift" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "particular talent" or "specific skill"?

Both "particular talent" and "specific skill" are correct. "Particular talent" often implies a natural aptitude, while "specific skill" can refer to something learned or acquired.

What is the difference between a talent and a skill?

A talent is often seen as an innate ability, while a skill is something developed through practice and learning. However, in many contexts, the terms are used interchangeably.