a personal favor

USAGE SUMMARY

"a personal favor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a favor that someone is asking of you, usually between two people who know one another well. For example, "Can I ask you for a personal favor?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Personal: relating to, directed to, or intended for a particular person: a personal favor; one's personal life; a letter marked "Personal".

TechCrunch

The driver delivered her as a personal favor.

The New Yorker

Cast it as a personal favor, rather than as a criticism.

The New York Times

Cardinal Egan also described calling Mr. Carey to ask a personal favor.

The New York Times

Mr. Hevesi alternately described his role as a personal favor for a longtime friend and a constituent service.

The New York Times

And, Lord, as a personal favor, when you give me dementia, would you let this night be one of the first things to fall into the great abyss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

No matter whether he reads a story in manuscript as a great personal favor, or opens a magazine, or kindest of all goes into a bookstore and pays good money for a book, he is still an enemy to be defeated with any kind of dirty fighting that comes to the writer's mind.

The New Yorker

So that's what they did, a decision that may work in their personal favor but has damaged their cause.

The New Yorker

The movie — put together with a $3,000 budget and a lot of personal favors — was filmed in a real Chinese takeout restaurant at 103rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue during working hours.

The New York Times

This declaration has a particular context: God, it is well understood, is a law-bringer and a society-maker, not a dispenser of personal favors in the name of holiness.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gest denied with tears in his eyes that attack had been directed by Mr. Hearst as personal favor to him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a personal favor" when the request is outside of regular duties and relies on personal connection, not professional obligation. This sets the right tone and expectations.

Common error

Avoid framing professional responsibilities or tasks that should be part of someone's job as "a personal favor". This can devalue their work and create an awkward dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal favor" functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it typically refers to a request made to someone based on a personal relationship, distinct from professional obligations. Examples illustrate its usage in diverse contexts, from political dealings to everyday requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal favor" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a request made based on personal connection rather than professional obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and informal contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be clear and respectful, ensuring the request doesn't impose unfairly on the other person. Remember to differentiate it from professional courtesies, and avoid requesting anything unethical or illegal. Consider alternatives like ""a favor for me"" or ""a special request"" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a favor for me

This alternative uses simpler language to express the act of doing something nice for someone.

a good turn

This implies doing something helpful or beneficial for someone.

a kindness

This alternative focuses on the aspect of goodwill in doing something for someone.

a gesture of goodwill

This emphasizes the positive intention behind the favor.

a special request

This phrase emphasizes the uniqueness or particularity of the request being made.

a helping hand

This phrase focuses on assistance and support given as a favor.

a selfless act

This highlights the altruistic nature of the favor.

a courtesy

This suggests an act of politeness or graciousness done out of goodwill.

an act of service

This term suggests performing a task or duty as a favor.

a boon

This word implies a benefit or advantage conferred as a favor.

FAQs

How can I politely ask for "a personal favor"?

Start by acknowledging the inconvenience it might cause, and express your gratitude in advance. For instance, you could say, "I know you're busy, but I was hoping you could do "a personal favor" for me."

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

"A personal favor" is typically something outside of someone's job or normal duties, relying on a personal connection. A professional courtesy is an action within the scope of someone's job, done as a professional gesture.

When is it inappropriate to ask for "a personal favor"?

It's generally inappropriate to ask for "a personal favor" if it involves something unethical, illegal, or puts the other person in a compromising position. Also, avoid asking if it's something they're obligated to do anyway.

What are some alternatives to saying "a personal favor"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a favor for me", "a special request", or "a kindness".