a personal conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal conversation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a discussion that is private or intimate in nature, often involving personal matters. Example: "I would like to have a personal conversation with you about your recent experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This is in line with the crowding-in hypothesis; the more persons one can rely on for a personal conversation, the more likely one is to seek professional care.

BMC Health Services Research

A: It's a personal conversation.

The New York Times

It's a personal conversation with God, and only God knows what I'm praying for".

The New York Times

I have said to [Arsenal chief executive] Ivan Gazidis in a personal conversation that we will not sell to Arsenal.

Independent

A. You know, when we start talking about values and motivation, I have never had a personal conversation with the president.

The New York Times

"I don't think I ever had a personal conversation with him," Robert Bundy, an Alaska lawyer who represented Allen, said of Marsh.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Other than a single "personal conversation" with a CIA officer, the source list contains no new material.

The Economist

"We believe these comments by Ferry were far worse than Sterling's because they were not from a private personal conversation — they were in a business environment on a business matter in front of a dozen or more people," Gearon wrote.

Los Angeles Times

In addition to this Q&A session, users also send a photo of their face to the chatbot (called "AVA"), and are then connected with a human advisor for a more personal conversation afterwards.

TechCrunch

The respondents in this study stated that their responses to the measures did not give such a comprehensive picture of their QoL as a proper personal conversation would, and specifically mentioned one domain missing in all three measures: the well-being of their family.

BMC Health Services Research

The show, which will begin filming in September, reportedly centers around a "middle-aged parent who sits his three adult children down for a revealing, personal conversation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and directness in communication, using "a personal conversation" effectively conveys the intention of having a private and focused discussion with someone.

Common error

Avoid using "a personal conversation" excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "private chat" or "one-on-one talk" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal conversation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., have, need, conduct). It describes a specific type of interaction characterized by privacy and individualized attention, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal conversation" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a private, one-on-one discussion. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and serves the purpose of indicating the need for a private discussion, often on sensitive topics. The phrase enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, making it a versatile addition to any writer's vocabulary. While versatile, it's also important to use the phrase intentionally, aiming to avoid wordiness and overuse by considering alternatives like "a private chat" or "an individual discussion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual discussion

Emphasizes the one-on-one nature of the conversation, focusing on the participants.

a private chat

Highlights the confidentiality and informality of the conversation.

a one-on-one talk

Stresses the direct and focused interaction between two people.

a heart-to-heart

Implies a deep, emotional, and sincere exchange between individuals.

a confidential exchange

Focuses on the secrecy and sensitivity of the information shared.

an intimate discussion

Suggests a close and personal sharing of thoughts and feelings.

a tête-à-tête

A French term for a private conversation between two people.

a direct dialogue

Highlights the straightforward and unfiltered nature of the exchange.

a frank discussion

Emphasizes the honesty and openness of the conversation.

a candid exchange

Focuses on the sincerity and lack of reservation in the conversation.

FAQs

How can I use "a personal conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "a personal conversation" to describe a private discussion, such as: "I need to have "a personal conversation" with you about your performance."

What can I say instead of "a personal conversation"?

Alternatives to "a personal conversation" include "a private chat", "a confidential exchange", or "a direct dialogue depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to request "a personal conversation"?

Requesting "a personal conversation" is suitable when discussing sensitive topics, providing feedback, or addressing individual concerns. It ensures privacy and focused attention.

What's the difference between "a personal conversation" and "a professional conversation"?

"A personal conversation" typically involves private or sensitive matters, while "a professional conversation" is focused on work-related topics and career development.