something in particular

USAGE SUMMARY

"something in particular" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to specify a specific thing or idea that is being referred to in a sentence. Here are some examples: 1. I have been looking for something in particular at the store, but I can't seem to find it. 2. Could you be a bit more specific? What do you mean by "something in particular"? 3. She's always been interested in art, but lately it's abstract art that has caught her attention in particular. 4. I don't have a preference, just pick out something in particular that you think I would like. 5. The teacher asked the students to write about something in particular that they were grateful for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Want us to post about something in particular?

Princeton University

What is something in particular your dad taught you?

The Washington Post

The something in particular — a leap, a pirouette, an entrechat?

The New York Times - Arts

Mayweather likes something in particular about each of them.

The New York Times - Sports

They're struggling to make progress with something – in particular circumstances.

Harvard Business Review

"Sometimes we want to know something in particular," she said.

The New Yorker

"They are often searching for something in particular.

The New York Times

If you're looking for something in particular that is not currently available here, please contact us.

University of California, Berkeley

Is there something in particular that turns you off about politics?

The New York Times - Magazine

Is there something in particular that gives you satisfaction about this job?

The New York Times

Do people run just to run, or do they necessarily run from something in particular?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "something in particular", ensure the context clearly indicates why that specific thing is being singled out. This adds clarity and focus to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "something in particular" as a filler phrase. Only use it when you genuinely intend to highlight a specific element that is relevant to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something in particular" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that the noun it modifies is not just any item, but a specific, identifiable one. This phrase is commonly used to narrow down a broad category, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something in particular" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to denote a specific item or detail, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a determiner phrase to narrow down a broad category, serving the communicative purpose of inquiring about or indicating a specific preference. While its register is neutral, it's most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources. To ensure clarity in writing, use it when you genuinely intend to highlight a relevant and specific element. Alternatives include "specific item", "certain aspect", and "precise thing". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "something in particular" to add focus and precision to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific item

Focuses on the item being specific rather than a general category.

specific detail

Highlights a detail instead of a broader 'something'.

certain aspect

Emphasizes the 'aspect' or feature that is being singled out.

distinct element

Uses 'element' to refer to a component and 'distinct' to emphasize its uniqueness.

precise thing

Substitutes 'precise' for 'particular' to denote exactness.

special item

Implies the item is not only specific but also of special importance.

unique aspect

Highlights uniqueness, suggesting that the aspect is one-of-a-kind.

designated item

Suggests that the item has been officially or formally specified.

individual component

Emphasizes that the item is a separate part of a larger whole.

peculiar detail

Indicates the detail is unusual or striking.

FAQs

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

Use "something in particular" when you want to refer to a specific item or detail that is not explicitly named. For example, "Are you looking for "something in particular" or just browsing?"

What are some alternatives to "something in particular"?

You can use phrases like "specific item", "certain aspect", or "precise thing" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "something in particular"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "something in particular" without a clear and relevant reason can make your writing seem vague. Ensure that the context warrants the specification.

What's the difference between "something in particular" and "anything in general"?

"Something in particular" refers to a specific, identifiable item or aspect, whereas "anything in general" refers to any item without specific distinction. The former is selective, the latter is inclusive.