particular
This word describes a specific thing or person rather than something general. It is used when you want to talk about one individual item out of a group or someone who is very careful about details.
Examples
3 of 5Is there a particular book you are looking for today?
Is there a specific book you are looking for today?
The committee is focusing on this particular issue during the meeting.
The committee is focusing on this specific issue during the meeting.
I don't have any particular plans for Saturday night.
I don't have any specific plans for Saturday night.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the first four letters: PART. Use 'particular' when you are talking about one 'part' or one specific piece of a whole group.
Quick Quiz
I don't like all fruits; I am very ______ about which ones I eat.
Correct!
The correct answer is: particular
Examples
Is there a particular book you are looking for today?
everydayIs there a specific book you are looking for today?
The committee is focusing on this particular issue during the meeting.
formalThe committee is focusing on this specific issue during the meeting.
I don't have any particular plans for Saturday night.
informalI don't have any specific plans for Saturday night.
This particular species of bird is only found in South America.
academicThis specific species of bird is only found in South America.
We must address the needs of this particular customer immediately.
businessWe must address the needs of this specific customer immediately.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
in particular
especially or specifically
for no particular reason
without a specific cause
the particulars
the specific details of a situation
Often Confused With
Peculiar means strange or unusual, while particular means specific or individual.
Special means better or more important than usual, whereas particular simply identifies one specific thing out of many.
Usage Notes
Use 'particular' before a noun to point out exactly which one you mean. If you say someone is 'particular about' something, it means they are very careful or fussy about it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'special' when they should use 'particular' to identify a specific item. For example, say 'this particular pen' instead of 'this special pen' if the pen is not actually better than others.
Memory Tip
Look at the first four letters: PART. Use 'particular' when you are talking about one 'part' or one specific piece of a whole group.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'particularis', which means 'concerning a small part'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
I don't like all fruits; I am very ______ about which ones I eat.
Correct!
The correct answer is: particular
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Something that is specific relates to one particular thing a...
singleA person who is not married or does not have a romantic part...
definiteTo be clearly stated, certain, or fixed in nature. It descri...
uniqueSomething that is unique is the only one of its kind or is v...
preciseThe word 'precise' describes something that is marked by exa...
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