What is particular? Pronunciation and usage in English

particular means . Learn how to pronounce and use particular through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of particular

particularadjective

/pəˈtɪkjʊlə/
Definition & pronunciation of particular

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "particular" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and tips:

1. The Basic Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • pah-TIK-yuh-lar

Let's break that down further:

  • pah: Like the "pa" in "father"
  • TIK: This is the tricky part. It's a short, quick “tick” sound. Think of the word “ticket” but just the beginning sound. It's almost like you're tapping your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
  • yuh: Like the "you" in "you are." A short "uh" sound.
  • lar: Like the "lar" in "star."

2. Emphasis:

The primary stress is on the second syllable: "TIK". It’s important to emphasize this syllable.

3. Visual Aid (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lər/

4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Saying "par-TIK-yuh-lar": This is a very common mistake. The "par" sound is incorrect. Start with "pah" instead.
  • Slurring the "tik" sound: Make sure to consciously articulate the "tick" sound. Practice saying "tick" repeatedly to get the feel of it.
  • Adding an extra 'r' sound at the end: It should end with a clear "lar."

5. Helpful Tips & Resources:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning the language?
  • What sounds are you finding particularly difficult (e.g., the “tick” sound)?

Usage and examples with the word particular in English

Let's break down how to use the word "particular" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and nuances. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Specific & Detailed (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It means something is distinct, unique, or shows a lot of detail. It’s about being precise and not general.
  • Synonyms: specific, detailed, precise, exact, distinctive
  • Examples:
    • "I need a particular shade of blue for the painting." (Not just any blue, but a specific shade.)
    • "She has a particular way of tying her shoes." (A unique and noticeable method.)
    • "They’re looking for a particular type of candidate with experience in project management.” (A specific kind of candidate, not just any candidate.)

2. Peculiar & Odd (Often Negative)

  • Meaning: This usage implies something is strange, unusual, or a little odd. It can have a slightly disapproving tone.
  • Synonyms: strange, odd, peculiar, unusual, eccentric
  • Examples:
    • "He has a particular habit of humming to himself." (It might be noticeable and slightly unsettling.)
    • "She has a particular interest in collecting antique doorknobs.” (This could be seen as a slightly odd or niche interest.)
    • “That’s a particular smell!” (Suggesting it's unpleasant or just odd.)

3. Demanding & Fastidious (Often Formal)

  • Meaning: This usage describes someone who is very particular about details, often to a high degree. It often implies a desire for things to be done exactly as they want them.
  • Synonyms: exacting, meticulous, fussy, fastidious
  • Examples:
    • “The chef is incredibly particular about the quality of his ingredients.” (He demands the best.)
    • “He's a particular client – he wants everything done his way.” (He's demanding and hard to please.)
    • "She’s particular about her furniture and decor.” (She has specific standards and expectations.)

4. Referring to a Person (Less Common, Can be Slightly Judgmental)

  • Meaning: Sometimes "particular" is used to describe a person's personality, implying they are a bit fussy or set in their ways. Use this cautiously; it can come across as critical.
  • Example: “He’s a very particular man.” (Suggesting he has strong opinions and may be difficult to please.)

Important Notes & Tips:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "particular" always depends on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Tone: The word can have a slightly negative connotation, especially when used to describe someone's habits or tastes.
  • Alternatives: Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, consider using synonyms like "distinct," "specific," "unique," or "detailed."

Let’s test your understanding! Can you use "particular" in one of the following sentences, choosing the most appropriate meaning?

  1. "I wanted a particular type of music to play during the wedding reception."
  2. "He’s a particular person who always insists on having his coffee exactly one hour before noon."
  3. “The museum curator is extremely particular about the restoration of the ancient artifacts.”

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using "particular" in sentences?
  • Explain how it differs from similar words (like "special")?

Synonyms for the word particular

Idioms of the word particular

in particular
especially or particularly
  • He loves science fiction in particular.
special or specific
  • Peter was lying on the sofa doing nothing in particular.
  • Is there anything in particular you'd like for dinner?
  • She directed the question at no one in particular.
particular to somebody/something
belonging to one individual person, place or thing and not others
  • cheeses that are particular to this area (= that are made there and nowhere else)

Practice with vocabulary particular

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research team paid ________ attention to the environmental impact of the new factory.
  2. Our quality control manager is very ________ about the precise dimensions of each component.
  3. Could you provide a more ________ analysis of the market trends for the next quarter?
  4. Each participant received ________ feedback tailored to their performance during the training session.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The new regulations are designed to address the needs of a ____ group of startups in the tech sector. A) particular B) general C) specific D) universal
  2. Our lead architect is quite ____ about the structural integrity and aesthetic alignment of every design element. A) particular B) flexible C) discerning D) indifferent
  3. Which ____ challenges did your team encounter when integrating the legacy system with the new platform? A) common B) distinct C) particular D) trivial
  4. Please ensure you use the ____ terminology when drafting legal documents to avoid ambiguity. A) approximate B) precise C) exact D) vague
  5. The antique clock had a ____ ticking sound, a deep, resonant rhythm unlike any other timepiece. A) peculiar B) common C) ordinary D) distinctive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is essential to give close attention to the details of this complex financial transaction. Rewrite using "particular":
  2. The management committee decided to focus only on the specific operational bottlenecks in the production line. Rewrite using "particular":
  3. Every single employee must complete the mandatory cybersecurity training by the end of the month. Rewrite without using "particular":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. particular
  2. particular
  3. detailed
  4. individual

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) particular, C) specific
  2. A) particular, C) discerning
  3. B) distinct, C) particular
  4. B) precise, C) exact
  5. A) peculiar, D) distinctive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. This complex financial transaction requires particular attention to its details.
  2. The management committee decided to focus on the particular operational bottlenecks in the production line.
  3. Each employee must complete the mandatory cybersecurity training by the end of the month.

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