a personal library

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal library" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection of books or other reading materials that belong to an individual, often kept for personal use or enjoyment. Example: "After years of collecting, she finally had a personal library filled with her favorite novels and reference books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I already have a personal library.

The New York Times

Another houses a personal library containing hundreds of volumes.

The New Yorker

To her left was a rolling cart on which she was building a personal library.

The New Yorker

Another strategy is to create a personal library of useful responses and resources.

Harvard Business Review

The six practices are collaboration, imitation, finishing, tool building, maintaining a logbook, and maintaining a personal library.

Software Design for Engineers and Scientists

Logan had a personal library of more than 3,000 volumes, which he contributed to start the Philadelphia Public Library.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Working with a superb personal library of perhaps 5,000 volumes and with the help of such overseas associates as Pascual de Gayangos, the Spanish aide who discovered manuscripts and rare books for him, Prescott made rigorous use of original sources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anyone with a serious personal library — that means, in Bonnet's view, 20,000 or more volumes — recognizes that it's easy to acquire books, but it's hard to find a place to put them.

The Washington Post

His acquaintance Pascual de Gayangos y Arce helped him construct a sizable personal library of historical books and manuscripts concerning the subject.

Wikipedia

I am regularly, and depressingly, criticized for not having an impressive personal library of books, or not having any interest in art galleries.

Vice

I am regularly, and depressingly, criticised for not having an impressive personal library of books, or not having any interest in art galleries.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the emotional or intellectual value of "a personal library", use descriptive adjectives such as "treasured", "extensive", or "eclectic".

Common error

Avoid using "a personal library" when you mean a public lending library. The former refers to a collection owned by an individual, whereas the latter is a public service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal library" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a collection of books owned by an individual. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe both physical collections and digital resources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal library" is a noun phrase that correctly describes an individual's collection of books. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. The phrase is used in various contexts, ranging from news articles and academic papers to encyclopedias, as well as wiki pages, and appears in a neutral register. When using "a personal library", ensure that the context clarifies whether you are referring to a physical collection of books or a digital one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private book collection

Focuses on the private nature and collection aspect.

home library

Emphasizes the location of the library within a home.

one's own library

Highlights ownership and individuality.

private study's books

Specifies the setting as a study, linking it to the collection.

individual's book collection

Stresses the individual ownership of the collection.

collection of reading material

Broadens the definition to include more than just books.

one's literary collection

Adds a literary connotation, implying a curated selection.

private archive of books

Suggests a more formal or organized collection.

personal book repository

Emphasizes storage aspect.

private literary resources

Focuses on its function as a resource for literary pursuits.

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal library" to describe a collection of books owned by an individual, such as: "She has built "a personal library" filled with classic literature."

What is a good synonym for "a personal library"?

A suitable synonym is "private book collection", which also refers to an individual's collection of books.

Is it correct to say "my personal library" or is "my library" sufficient?

Both are correct, but "my library" is often sufficient and more concise unless you need to emphasize the personal aspect of the collection. Saying "my library" usually implies it is your personal collection.

What distinguishes "a personal library" from a regular bookshelf?

"A personal library" suggests a more extensive and curated collection than a simple bookshelf. It implies a deliberate selection of books for personal use and enjoyment, while a bookshelf may simply hold books that are owned.