a personal decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a choice or judgment made by an individual based on their own beliefs, values, or circumstances. Example: "Choosing to move to a new city is a personal decision that should be carefully considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was a personal decision.

The New York Times

"This was purely a personal decision.

The Guardian

"It's a personal decision," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's simply a personal decision".

The New York Times

That was a personal decision".

The New York Times - Sports

Q: It's a personal decision?

The Washington Post

But I think it's a personal decision.

The New York Times

He said it was a personal decision.

The New York Times

AV: I think it's a personal decision.

The Washington Post

Erica: It's just a personal decision.

The Washington Post

"Andrew made a personal decision to join Empire State Development".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, framing it as "a personal decision" can acknowledge individual autonomy and respect different viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid implying that all decisions are solely "a personal decision" when external factors or societal impacts are significant. Acknowledge broader contexts where relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a choice or judgment made by an individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a personal decision" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a choice made by an individual based on their own values and circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. As evidenced by the examples, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts, denoting choices where autonomy and individual agency are emphasized. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider whether external factors also influence the decision. Alternatives such as "an individual choice" or "a private matter" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. Ultimately, using "a personal decision" acknowledges individual rights and autonomy in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual choice

Focuses on the individual nature of the selection.

a matter of personal preference

Indicates that the decision is influenced by subjective tastes.

a private matter

Highlights the confidentiality and autonomy associated with the decision.

a choice left to the individual

Highlights that someone else is not the one making the choice.

a choice based on personal values

Emphasizes the role of values in the decision-making process.

a decision made by oneself

Focuses on the fact that it is the individual who decided.

a self-determined action

Stresses the independence and agency of the person making the decision.

an autonomous choice

Highlights freedom and independence of choice.

a self-governed decision

Highlights the internal governance of choice.

a matter of one's own choosing

Emphasizes the aspect of choosing by themselves.

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal decision" to describe choices that individuals make based on their own values or preferences. For example, "Choosing which career path to follow is "a personal decision"."

What are some alternatives to "a personal decision"?

Alternatives include "an individual choice", "a private matter", or "a matter of personal preference". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a personal decision"?

It's appropriate when the choice primarily affects the individual and is based on their own values, beliefs, or circumstances. For example, whether or not to adopt a pet is "a personal decision".

What is the difference between "a personal decision" and "a private decision"?

"A personal decision" emphasizes that the choice is based on individual factors, while "a private decision" implies that the choice is also confidential or not meant to be shared publicly. While often interchangeable, "a private decision" might carry stronger connotations of secrecy.