Particular with/to/about/on

Question

1. These topics are the things that the client is particular with.

2. These topics are the things that the client is particular to.

3. These topics are the things that the client is particular about.

4. These topics are the things that the client is particular on.

Are these grammatically correct?

When do you use “particular with /to/ about/on”?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

1. These topics are the things that the client is particular with. ???

2. These topics are the things that the client is particular to. No.

3. These topics are the things that the client is particular about. Yes.

4. These topics are the things that the client is particular on. ???

??? ~ Doubtful. A native speaker might say it, and as a non-native you'd be understood, but it doesn't sound very good.

'particular about' is a higher register expression for the lower register 'fussy about'. fussy ~ finicky ~ fastidious

Birds aren't particular about where the insects are.
The CEO is particular about the placement of his tiepin.
The director was particular about the visual quality of his films.

'particular to' can mean 'unique to' or 'uniquely characteristic of'.

There are some hieroglyphic motifs particular to these pyramid texts.
The county boards decide on matters particular to their respective counties.
Sometimes the nature of litigation is not particular to the disputing parties but has wider implications.

The most important expression to know is 'in particular', which highlights a specific instance of something already mentioned earlier, and after 'in particular' the preposition does not depend on the word 'particular' but on the other words in the sentence.

For example, in the sentences below, for, on, and with occur after the word 'particular', but they have nothing to do with the expression 'in particular'. They echo a preposition used earlier in the sentence.

Privatisation was a bonanza for the rich and in particular for the bankers.
The OSS relied on the Mafia, and in particular on Vizzini, for its intelligence.
Betty's relationship with her children is often strained, in particular with Sally.

CJ

Particular with/to/about/on

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