a personal matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an issue or situation that is private and not meant to be shared with others. Example: "I appreciate your concern, but this is a personal matter that I prefer to handle on my own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The great material is Kenzaburo Oe's 'A Personal Matter,' where the word 'Hiroshima' appears once.

The New Yorker

It's a personal matter".

The New York Times

It is a personal matter".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a personal matter.

Independent

"After hours is a personal matter.

The New York Times

But that's a personal matter.

The Guardian

It's strictly a personal matter".

The New York Times

So it's not really a personal matter.

The New York Times - Sports

Is Human Enhancement also a Personal Matter?

Nature

"And this is not just a personal matter.

The New York Times

For Mr. Rubin, 33, it is a personal matter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to questions about a decision that is based on private reasons use the phrase to signal respect for privacy.

Common error

Avoid contradicting yourself by declaring something "a personal matter" and then providing excessive details. This undermines your initial intention to keep it private and may create confusion or mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its role in designating something private or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science & Research

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal matter" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a topic is private and not for public discussion. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to respect boundaries and avoid oversharing, as consistency is key to maintaining trust. Alternatives such as "a private concern" or "a confidential affair" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a private concern

Emphasizes the privacy and confidentiality of the issue.

a confidential affair

Highlights the secrecy and sensitivity involved.

a matter of privacy

Focuses on the right to keep something private.

a sensitive subject

Indicates that the topic requires careful handling.

something not to be discussed

Directly states the desire to avoid public discussion.

an individual issue

Highlights that the issue pertains to a single person.

a personal secret

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the matter.

a private affair

Implies that the matter is not for public consumption.

something kept private

Focuses on the action of maintaining privacy.

a matter between individuals

Clarifies that the matter is confined to specific people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal matter" to politely decline sharing information. For example, you could say, "I'm dealing with "a personal matter" and prefer not to discuss it at this time."

What's a good alternative to saying "a personal matter"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "a private concern", "a confidential affair", or "a matter of privacy".

Is it appropriate to ask someone for details after they say it's "a personal matter"?

Generally, it's best to respect their boundaries. Saying it's "a personal matter" usually indicates they don't want to share details, and pressing them could be intrusive.

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "a personal matter"?

Avoid using "a personal matter" if the issue directly affects others or requires collaborative action. In such cases, transparency and clear communication are more appropriate, as it may cause concerns.