particular to, peculiar to

Particular to is non–standard usage.

The phrase peculiar to indicates a unique or special characteristic possessed by a person or found in a place or thing, and has nothing to do with peculiar in the sense of “strange.”

  • Some plant species are peculiar (not particular) to the Prairies; they are found nowhere else in Canada.
  • Acne is peculiar (not particular) to adolescents and adults in their early twenties.

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