Nothing (in) particular

Posted by ESC on September 03, 2003

In Reply to: Nothing (in) particular posted by Anwar on September 03, 2003

: I think "nothing particular" looks more natural in both these contexts. In my opinion "in particular" is used to mention some thing as a better example of a condition, situation, event etc.

: : Hello. Let me ask you one question.

: : Which sentence do you think is more natural?

: : 1. Are you busy now?
: : No, nothing particular. No, nothing in particular.

: : 2. What do you do in your free timea?
: : Nothing particular. Nothing in particular.

: : Thanks in advance.

I've never heard "nothing particular."

As written, the first sentence is a "yes or no" question. It would be "more natural" using the word "doing":
What are you doing? Nothing in particular.

Then, sentence 2:
What do you do in your spare time?
Nothing in particular.

Of course, the younger generation would answer "hanging out."

• Nothing (in) particular Philip 03/September/03