Cool MateSpecial vs This guy here is really something
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Special
This guy here is really something
| Special | This guy here is really something | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈspeʃl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈspeʃl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs ɡaɪ hɪə ɪz ˈrɪli ˈsʌmθɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðɪs ɡaɪ hɪr ɪz ˈrɪli ˈsʌmθɪŋ// |
| Meaning | Something that is different or better than usual. | This person is very special or impressive. |
| Example | She received a special award for her hard work. | This guy here is really something; he just won a national award! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | special occasion, special treatment, special feature, special guest, special offer | this guy here, really something special, impressive guy here |
| Antonyms | common, ordinary, usual | ordinary, unremarkable |
| Common mistakes | Using 'special' instead of 'specific' when referring to details., Confusing 'special' with 'specialized'., Using 'more special' instead of just 'more unique'. | Confusing with 'this guy over there' which changes the meaning., Misusing in overly formal conversations where a more professional expression is needed. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe something that has unique qualities. Can be informal when used for personal feelings, like calling a friend 'special'. Not usually used in very formal writing. | Use this phrase to express admiration or surprise about someone. It's appropriate in casual conversations but not in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Special vs This guy here is really something
What's the difference between Special and This guy here is really something?
Special: Something that is different or better than usual. This guy here is really something: This person is very special or impressive.
Which is more formal: Special and This guy here is really something?
Special is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Special and This guy here is really something?
Special is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Special: She received a special award for her hard work. This guy here is really something: This guy here is really something; he just won a national award!
Can I use Special and This guy here is really something interchangeably?
Not always. Special and This guy here is really something are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.