a personal connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a personal connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an emotional connection between two people that results from a shared experience. For example: We developed a personal connection over our shared love of music.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They feel a personal connection.

The New York Times

A breakthrough came through a personal connection.

The New York Times

Microfinance offered him a personal connection.

The New York Times

But there was also a personal connection.

The New York Times

The directors, however, share a personal connection.

The Guardian - Film

A personal connection must be forged.

Harvard Business Review

"Has he got a personal connection?

The Guardian

"I feel a personal connection to Chris, Mr. Liebermann said.

The New York Times

He even has a personal connection to the story.

The Economist

"But there was a personal connection as well," she added.

The New York Times

Patagonia's interest in solar began with a personal connection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business or professional settings, focus on shared values or common goals to foster "a personal connection" that goes beyond transactional relationships.

Common error

Avoid mistaking superficial interactions for genuine "a personal connection". Focus on building depth through shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the existence of a bond or rapport between individuals, as shown in the provided examples by Ludwig. The expression is usable in written English, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

28%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal connection" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase signifying a bond or rapport between individuals. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for use in various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its versatility and consistent meaning, emphasizing the importance of building relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. To use the phrase effectively, focus on genuine interactions rather than superficial connections, and consider alternatives like "a close relationship" or "a sense of kinship" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close relationship

Focuses on the depth and intimacy of the bond rather than the initial establishment of connection.

a sense of kinship

Emphasizes the feeling of being related or having a shared origin or nature.

an emotional bond

Highlights the emotional aspect of the connection, focusing on feelings and sentiments.

a shared understanding

Focuses on mutual comprehension and agreement, rather than a general feeling of connection.

a strong rapport

Emphasizes the harmonious relationship and mutual understanding between individuals.

a feeling of connectedness

Highlights the sentiment of being linked or associated with someone or something.

a mutual affinity

Stresses the shared liking or attraction between people.

a common ground

Highlights the areas of agreement or shared interests between individuals.

a sympathetic ear

Implies that you can talk to the other person about your feelings and they will listen in a helpful way.

a friendly approach

Describes the style in which someone interacts with others, where the focus lies on friendliness and cordiality.

FAQs

How can I create "a personal connection" in a professional setting?

You can create "a personal connection" by actively listening, showing empathy, sharing relevant personal anecdotes, and finding common interests. Focusing on building trust and mutual respect can help foster a more meaningful professional relationship.

What are some phrases similar to "a personal connection"?

Alternatives to "a personal connection" include "a close relationship", "a sense of kinship", or "an emotional bond" depending on the specific context.

Why is establishing "a personal connection" important?

Establishing "a personal connection" is important because it builds trust, fosters loyalty, and enhances communication. It allows for deeper understanding and more meaningful interactions, leading to stronger relationships.

Is "a personal connection" different from "a professional connection"?

"A personal connection" typically involves emotional bonds and shared experiences, while "a professional connection" focuses on work-related interactions and mutual benefit. While they can overlap, "a personal connection" usually implies a deeper, more intimate relationship.