a personal search

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal search" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an individual is looking for personal information, insights, or self-discovery. Example: "After years of working in the corporate world, I decided to embark on a personal search to understand my true passions and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Using that data, the service will generate your own personalized trending topics and a personal search engine.

TechCrunch

American Roman Catholic poet whose works record a personal search for religious vision in a violent, corrupt world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He handcuffed and arrested Mr. Brown and obtained Mr. Drayton's permission for a personal search, with similar results.

The New York Times

On the street, Mr. Battle said, he was told only that by entering a cab with the safety decal he had given his consent to a personal search.

The New York Times

Events that appear to be struggles for conquest and plunder turn out, in Lears's view, to be animated by a personal search for meaning.

The New York Times - Books

They numbered in the millions, all on a personal search for the divine, there for a miraculous dip into the bracing chill of the merging rivers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Dexetra, the makers of Friday, a contextual personal search application for Android, has raised a Series A round of funding.

TechCrunch

Wilson's is a more personal search for the roots of Betjeman's poetry in the ceaseless game of emotional snakes and ladders which he played for most of his life.

The Guardian - Books

In this atmosphere Bunyan became acquainted with the leading ideas of the Puritan sectaries, who believed that the striving for religious truth meant an obstinate personal search, relying on free grace revealed to the individual, and condemning all forms of public organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He uses all these themes as metaphors, indexes to a much more personal search for meaning".

The New York Times

Apple just bought Siri, which is a voice-powered personal search assistant.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a personal search", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to an internal journey of self-discovery or a search for personal information. This will prevent ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a personal search" when referring to general research or investigation. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where the search is deeply connected to the individual's own identity, beliefs, or experiences. If referring to general research, opt for broader terms like "research" or "investigation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal search" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an individual's quest for self-discovery, understanding, or specific information, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal search" is a noun phrase that denotes an individual's introspective journey or quest for specific information, commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, particularly when referring to self-discovery or personal quests. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in conveying the introspective or self-oriented nature of the search, distinguishing it from general research or investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quest for self-discovery

Emphasizes the journey of finding oneself.

a journey of self-exploration

Highlights the exploratory nature of understanding oneself.

an individual pursuit

Focuses on the independent and solitary nature of the search.

a private investigation

Suggests a more secretive and introspective exploration.

a spiritual pilgrimage

Implies a search for meaning and connection to something greater.

a voyage of introspection

Highlights the internal examination of one's thoughts and feelings.

a self-directed inquiry

Emphasizes the autonomous and investigatory nature of the search.

an inward exploration

Focuses on the internal and reflective nature of the exploration.

a soul-searching endeavor

Suggests a deep and meaningful quest for understanding oneself.

a voyage into the self

Emphasizes the exploratory aspect of discovering one's inner self.

FAQs

What does "a personal search" typically refer to?

The phrase "a personal search" usually refers to an individual's quest for self-discovery, understanding of their beliefs, or pursuit of personal information. It implies a journey that is deeply connected to one's identity and experiences.

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

You can use "a personal search" in sentences like: "She embarked on "a quest for self-discovery" after facing a major life change", or "His "a spiritual pilgrimage" led him to question his long-held beliefs".

What are some alternatives to "a personal search"?

Alternatives to "a personal search" include phrases like ""a quest for self-discovery"", "a journey of self-exploration", or ""a spiritual pilgrimage"", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a personal search" versus "research"?

"A personal search" is suitable when the search is introspective and focused on the individual's own experiences, beliefs, or information. "Research", on the other hand, is a broader term used for systematic investigation into any subject, regardless of its personal connection.