anything in particular

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Any specific thing, used in questions and negative sentences to ask about or deny a definite choice or purpose.

   Grammar: Used mainly in questions and negatives: did you want anything in particular?

   Patterns

   • looking for anything in particular
   • not anything in particular

   Are you looking for anything in particular today?

   I did not want anything in particular, just a chat.

   Is there anything in particular you would like for dinner?

Common combinations

looking for anything in particular

Are you looking for anything in particular in the shop?

not anything in particular

It is not anything in particular, just a feeling.

want anything in particular

Do you want anything in particular for your birthday?

need anything in particular

Do you need anything in particular from the store?

Synonyms and how they differ

anything specific

Anything specific is slightly plainer, while anything in particular sounds a little more natural in polite questions.

something special

Something special implies a treat or unusual item, whereas anything in particular only asks about a definite choice.

Opposites

Word family

particular adjective

specific, or fussy about details

particularly adverb

especially

particulars noun

specific details or facts

Commonly confused: anything in particular or anything particular?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “anything in particular”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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