particular
C1Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A specific, single thing or detail, distinct from others; used to single something out from a group.
Insisting on very high standards; fussy or hard to please.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adjective or a noun (with 'in particular'). The adjectival sense of 'fussy' is more common in predicative position (e.g., 'She's very particular'). The noun 'particulars' often means specific details or information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning or usage. Slight tendency for 'particulars' (noun) to be used more in formal/administrative British English (e.g., 'Please provide your particulars').
Connotations
Identical. The 'fussy' connotation is equally common.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + particular + about + NP (She's particular about hygiene)particular + to + NP (a custom particular to this region)in + particular (adverbial phrase)adj + particular + noun (this particular case)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in particular”
- “go into particulars”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to specify details in contracts or reports: 'We need to discuss the particulars of the agreement.'
Academic
Used to narrow focus: 'This study examines one particular aspect of the theory.'
Everyday
Common for emphasis or describing preferences: 'I don't have any particular plans.' / 'He's very particular about his coffee.'
Technical
Used precisely to isolate a variable or instance: 'Under these particular conditions, the reaction fails.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – 'particular' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A – 'particular' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – 'particular' is not an adverb. Use 'particularly'.
- N/A – 'particular' is not an adverb. Use 'particularly'.
American English
- N/A – 'particular' is not an adverb. Use 'particularly'.
- N/A – 'particular' is not an adverb. Use 'particularly'.
adjective
British English
- Is there a particular programme you wanted to watch?
- She's terribly particular about the garden being tidy.
American English
- Do you have a particular movie in mind?
- He's very particular about how his steak is cooked.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like this one in particular.
- She has a particular friend at school.
- Is there a particular reason for your visit?
- He's not particular about what he eats.
- The law is unclear in this particular instance.
- The report omitted several key particulars of the incident.
- Her particular brand of humour isn't to everyone's taste.
- The enzyme is particular to a narrow range of substrates.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PARTICLE – a tiny, specific piece. PARTICULAR points to a specific 'part' or detail.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPECIFICITY IS SELECTIVITY / FOCUS IS A SPOTLIGHT (to highlight one thing from many).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'особенный' (special) when the meaning is 'specific' (конкретный).
- The phrase 'in particular' translates as 'в частности', not 'в особенном'.
- The adjective 'particular' (fussy) is best translated as 'привередливый', 'разборчивый'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'particular' to mean 'special' or 'unique' when 'specific' is intended (e.g., 'I need a particular book' vs. 'I need a special book').
- Overusing 'particular' where 'specific' or no word is needed (e.g., 'this particular chair is blue').
- Incorrect preposition: 'She is particular for her food' (should be 'about').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'particular' to mean 'fussy or demanding'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often interchangeable. 'Specific' is slightly more neutral and factual, while 'particular' can add a nuance of singling something out from a group for emphasis. 'Particular' also has the additional meaning of 'fussy'.
Use it as an adverbial phrase to highlight one example from a previously mentioned general group. It usually comes at the end of a sentence or clause: 'I love fruit, apples in particular.'
In modern English, when it means 'specific details or information,' it is almost always used in the plural form 'particulars' (e.g., 'the particulars of the case'). The singular noun 'particular' is rare outside of fixed phrases like 'in particular'.
No. The adverbial form is 'particularly' (e.g., 'It was particularly cold today'). Using 'particular' as an adverb is a common error.