a personal question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question that pertains to someone's private life or feelings, often implying that the question may be sensitive or intrusive. Example: "I hope you don't mind me asking, but that's a personal question about your family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a personal question and they need your utmost respect, especially with a person you barely know.

WikiHow

A personal question.

The New York Times - Health

It was a personal question.

The New York Times - Science

But Cindy Sheehan poses a personal question.

The New York Times

"It's a personal question," Mr. Hillenbrand said.

The New York Times

But I need to ask you a personal question.

The New York Times

Then he said, "I have a personal question for you.

The New Yorker

"May I ask you a personal question?" the technician said.

The New Yorker

I would never ask such a personal question".

The New York Times

It's not a personal question, is it?" "I'm afraid so".

The New Yorker

Was it a personal question in any way?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prefacing "a personal question", ensure you convey respect and acknowledge the potentially sensitive nature of the topic. Consider asking permission before proceeding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone is comfortable answering "a personal question". Always preface it with a polite inquiry asking if they are willing to share, respecting their right to decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal question" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., ask, pose). It identifies a type of question that relates to private or sensitive aspects of an individual's life. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a personal question" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to inquiries about someone's private life. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media and academic settings. When using this phrase, it's important to be mindful of potential sensitivities and prioritize respectful communication. Related phrases like "an intimate inquiry" or "a delicate query" can sometimes be used to soften the approach. Always consider the relationship you have with the person and the context before posing such a question to avoid any discomfort or offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intimate inquiry

Replaces "question" with "inquiry" and "personal" with "intimate", suggesting a deeper level of privacy.

a private matter to ask

Focuses on the privacy aspect, changing the structure to emphasize the sensitivity of asking.

a delicate query

Uses "delicate" to highlight the sensitive nature of the question, replacing "personal".

a sensitive inquiry

Similar to "delicate query", but employs "sensitive" to convey the potentially emotional impact.

a confidential question

Emphasizes the need for secrecy or discretion in the matter being asked about.

a probing question

Highlights the intrusive nature of the question, suggesting it delves deeply into someone's life.

an intrusive question

Directly states the potentially unwelcome nature of the question being posed.

a question of privacy

Shifts the focus to the concept of privacy, framing the question as a violation or concern.

a touchy subject to broach

Highlights the potential discomfort or difficulty in discussing the topic.

a question best left unasked

Suggests that the question is so sensitive or inappropriate that it should not be asked at all.

FAQs

How can I politely ask "a personal question"?

You can soften the approach by saying, "Do you mind if I ask "a personal question"?" or "I hope you don't mind me asking, but..." This shows respect for the other person's boundaries.

What's the difference between "a personal question" and "an intrusive question"?

"A personal question" is a broad term for questions about someone's private life. "An intrusive question" is more negative, implying the question is unwelcome and crosses a line. So, all intrusive questions are personal, but not all personal questions are intrusive.

When is it inappropriate to ask "a personal question"?

It's generally inappropriate to ask "a personal question" without establishing some level of trust or rapport. Avoid asking them in formal settings, or with people you barely know.

What can I do if someone asks me "a personal question" that I don't want to answer?

You can politely decline by saying, "I'm not comfortable answering that," or deflect by changing the subject. You have no obligation to answer "a personal question" if you don't want to.