particulars
particulars — idiom
1. the complete set of facts, names, dates, and descriptions that give a full accou
the complete set of facts, names, dates, and descriptions that give a full account of an event or a person's identity, especially when these are written down or officially recorded.
The police officer wrote down the particulars of the accident while speaking to the driver.
particulars of [event] — full facts about a situation
Please fill in your personal particulars on this form before the interview starts.
personal particulars — official identifying details
Amara sent an email with the full particulars of her travel plans and hotel bookings.
The lawyer asked for all the particulars of the case before preparing the court documents.
The insurance company requested written particulars of the damage to the house.
- details
more common in everyday English; less formal
- information
broader meaning; does not emphasise completeness
- specifics
similar register; focuses on exact facts rather than full set
文法句型
the particulars of [something]
personal particulars
用法筆記
Always used in the plural form 'particulars'. The singular form 'particular' has a different meaning (see noun entry). Common in official, legal, and administrative contexts.
常見錯誤
particulars — adjective
- particularspositive
- more particularscomparative
- most particularssuperlative
1. used when you want to single out one individual person, thing, or situation rath
used when you want to single out one individual person, thing, or situation rather than anyone or anything else in the same group.
Is there any particular reason why you chose this university over the others?
particular reason — single specific cause
Lukas asked for a particular brand of paint for the living room walls.
The teacher gave particular attention to the students who needed extra help with reading.
Siti wants a particular book about Indonesian cooking, but she cannot remember the title.
Each particular type of flower needs a different amount of water and sunlight.
文法句型
particular + noun
a particular [person/thing]
用法筆記
This sense always appears directly before a noun. It contrasts with 'general' or 'any' — you use it when you have a clear, narrow referent in mind. Do not confuse with sense 4 (fussy/selective).
常見錯誤
2. greater, more significant, or more impressive than what is normal or expected in
greater, more significant, or more impressive than what is normal or expected in a given situation.
The wedding cake was of particular beauty, with tiny sugar flowers on every layer.
of particular beauty — exceptionally beautiful
Fatima took particular care packing the glass cups for her move to a new flat.
Of particular interest to the children was the dinosaur exhibit at the natural history museum.
The project manager noted particular progress on the new software this month.
The old wooden table had a particular smell that reminded Grace of her grandmother's kitchen.
- special
warmer, more emotional; less formal
- remarkable
stronger; emphasises surprising quality
- notable
slightly more formal; focuses on importance
文法句型
of particular + noun
particular + noun
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the structure 'of particular + noun'. Unlike sense 1 (SPECIFIC), this sense cannot be replaced with 'specific' — 'a particular beauty' means outstanding beauty, not a specific kind of beauty.
常見錯誤
3. containing or providing many specific facts, descriptions, or pieces of informat
containing or providing many specific facts, descriptions, or pieces of information rather than general statements.
The travel agent gave us a particular description of each hotel room and its view.
particular description — detailed account
Henry kept a particular record of every expense during his six-month trip across South America.
The report contains a particular account of the events that led to the factory fire.
Nadia wrote a particular list of tools and materials for the building project.
- detailed
much more common in everyday English; same meaning
- thorough
emphasises completeness rather than number of facts
- exhaustive
stronger; covering every possible aspect
文法句型
particular + noun (account, description, list)
用法筆記
Formal register — this sense of 'particular' is less common in everyday speech. It typically modifies nouns like 'account', 'description', 'record', or 'list'. The more common word for this meaning is 'detailed'.
常見錯誤
4. extremely careful about every small aspect of something, so that it is difficult
extremely careful about every small aspect of something, so that it is difficult for others to satisfy your standards.
Grandma is very particular about how the dishes are washed and where they are stored.
particular about — demanding regarding
The head chef is particular about the freshness of fish he buys for the kitchen.
Diego is particular about how his shirts are folded and put away in the drawer.
The guest was particular about having a room on the top floor with a balcony.
- fussy
more informal; slightly more negative
- picky
informal; used mainly about food or appearance
- fastidious
more formal; emphasises high personal standards
- easy-going
relaxed; not bothered by details
- casual
not paying close attention to details
文法句型
be particular about [something]
用法筆記
This is the only sense of 'particular' that is used after 'be' (predicatively), not before a noun. It is always followed by 'about' + noun/gerund. The tone can be neutral (describing high standards) or mildly critical (suggesting someone is difficult to please).
常見錯誤
particulars — noun
1. a single fact, point, or small piece of information that is part of a larger set
a single fact, point, or small piece of information that is part of a larger set of related facts or a general idea.
The detective studied every particular of the crime scene before writing the report.
every particular — each separate detail
Kwame noted every particular of the contract negotiation in his leather notebook.
Oliver could recall every particular of the conversation they had five years ago.
The architect checked each particular of the design blueprints with great care.
From the witness statement, one particular stood out as the key to solving the case.
- whole
the complete set, not a single piece
文法句型
every particular
a particular of [something]
each particular
用法筆記
The singular noun 'particular' is less common than the plural form 'particulars' (see idiom entry). It often appears in the pattern 'every particular', emphasising thoroughness. Unlike the idiom sense, this singular form refers to one individual detail rather than the full set.
常見錯誤
❌ 'She explained every particular of the plan, including the budget and timeline.' — This is actually correct! But learners often use 'detail' instead because it is more common.