Specific and particular are more close in meaning, often interchangeable. Certain is more ambiguous, moody. Also there is much overlap between each of them, along with differences. There is a great example I found here: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/252054/difference-between-certain-specific-and-particular. It explains the nuances of certain. Look at the answer by "Morton" (currently the second one) Specific is used when the implication is exactness. Certain (as in the examples above) is for a more general implication. Particular implies something is singled out or chosen. It can be also be used in that gray area between specific and certain. >I need a specific dress for the wedding. (I have an exact, maybe detailed, idea of what I want) >I need a certain dress for the wedding. (I have a general idea of what I want) >I need a particular dress for the wedding. (I've already chosen the dress I want. Or, similar to specific, I mostly know what I want) >There is one specific place she always goes. In this example, certain doesn't work, because of the "exactness" of the sentence content, "one place." Particular can be used here. However, it would change the mood to be, "I'm being a little vague about what I know," just like certain would. But because particular is so close in meaning to specific, it still works! That's what I mean about functioning in the grey areas. Sometimes particular needs "in" to substitute for specific. That is when specific is functioning as a stand alone adjective. Certain also does not work here. You are looking for someONE, one person. >Are you looking for anyone specific? >Are you looking for anyone IN particular? Final notes: These are examples where the words are NOT interchangeable Certain also means "sure" and "some" >I am certain he won't go. >Certain ones are mine. Particular also means "great, strong" >He has a particular aptitude for guitar. Specific as an adverb >I specifically said blue! Hope that helped! :)