1. How is Ted special?

He dresses well.

2. Why is Ted special?
He is wearing a colorful shirt.

3. What is Ted's specialty?
He is wearing pink trousers.

4. What is special for Ted?
He is fashionable.
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Which ones are grammatical and commonly used? Which ones are not suitable?

All are grammatically correct, but only 2 and 3 are commonly used.

4 doesn't mean the same thing as the others; this last question is asking what does Ted consider to be special, probably in someone else, not himself.

Out of the four sentences, the first three are grammatically correct and commonly used. However, the fourth sentence is not suitable and may cause confusion when trying to understand what is special about Ted.

1. How is Ted special?
This sentence is grammatically correct and commonly used. It asks for an explanation or description of what makes Ted unique or different from others. The answer can include any characteristics or qualities that set Ted apart.

2. Why is Ted special?
This sentence is also grammatically correct and commonly used. It asks for a reason or explanation behind Ted's uniqueness or specialness. The answer can highlight specific attributes, skills, or achievements that make Ted stand out.

3. What is Ted's specialty?
This sentence is grammatically correct and commonly used. It specifically asks about Ted's area of expertise or distinctive skill. The answer might mention a particular subject, profession, or talent that Ted excels in.

4. What is special for Ted?
This sentence is not suitable and may lead to confusion or misunderstanding. Grammatically, it is correct, but the use of "for" in this context sounds ambiguous. It could be interpreted as asking what is done or provided specifically for Ted, rather than what makes him special. It is better to use one of the first three sentences for expressing the intended meaning.