to be particular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to be particular' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it when you want to be specific: "I like Italian food, pizza to be particular."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has also come to be particular about baseballs themselves.

The New Yorker

In this new nature writing, to be particular, not poetic, is the aim.

The Guardian - Books

László Krasznahorkai and Peter Nádas seem to be particular exponents of this attitude.

The Guardian - Books

There seemed to be particular interest in the video batting and pitching cages.

The New York Times - Sports

He is worried, though, that the husband believed this information to be particular to him and his wife.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is well said, and in his individual accounts Lilla abides by the injunction to be particular.

The New York Times - Books

The epidemic of camera robberies appears to be particular to Oakland, although reporters elsewhere have experienced trouble on occasion.

The New York Times

"The statute does not have to be particular," says Mr Maragall, adding that "the word nation is polysemic".

The Economist

The Hunger Games franchise, as well as the US series Desperate Housewives, are said to be particular favourites amongst their contacts.

The Guardian

And that's going to be particular important in dealing not only with situations such as now occurring in Israel, but with Saddam Hussein.

The New York Times

To succeed as a novelist, he had to find a way to universalize a sensuality that he knew to be particular.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be particular" to introduce a specific example or detail that clarifies a broader statement. This enhances clarity and provides concrete information.

Common error

Avoid using "to be particular" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "specifically" or "in detail" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be particular" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to introduce a specific example or clarification. As Ludwig AI points out, it adds detail to a general statement. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase this use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be particular" is a versatile infinitive phrase widely used to introduce specific details or examples. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. The analysis reveals that while synonyms like "specifically" or "in detail" exist, "to be particular" offers a unique nuance that is both clear and generally appropriate across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be specific

Emphasizes clarity and directness in providing details.

to be precise

Highlights accuracy and exactness in information.

to elaborate

Suggests providing more detail or expanding on a point.

to specify

Focuses on defining something clearly and distinctly.

to detail

Implies providing a comprehensive account with many particulars.

to pinpoint

Suggests identifying something with great accuracy.

to single out

Emphasizes choosing one item or aspect from a larger group.

to be selective

Focuses on carefully choosing from available options.

to be fastidious

Suggests a high level of attention to detail and preference.

to designate

Highlights the act of clearly naming or identifying something.

FAQs

How can I use "to be particular" in a sentence?

You can use "to be particular" to introduce a more specific detail or example following a general statement. For instance, "I enjoy fruits, apples "to be specific"".

What are some alternatives to saying "to be particular"?

Alternatives include "specifically", "in detail", or "more precisely", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "to be particular" or "specifically"?

"Specifically" tends to be slightly more formal than "to be particular", although both are suitable for most professional writing contexts.

Can "to be particular" be used in spoken English?

Yes, "to be particular" is appropriate for both spoken and written English. It's commonly used to add clarity and detail in conversations.