a personal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unique to an individual, such as preferences, feelings, opinions, or experiences. Example: "Choosing to move away from your family can be a very personal thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a personal thing.

Independent

It's such a personal thing.

The New York Times

Shaving is a personal thing.

Independent

"It's a personal thing," she said.

The New Yorker

A campaign is a personal thing.

The New Yorker

"It's a personal thing for me.

The New Yorker

It's definitely a personal thing.

The Guardian - Arts

This is a personal thing.

The Guardian

It becomes a personal thing".

The New Yorker

To me, it's not a personal thing.

The New York Times - Sports

I really think it's a personal thing".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a personal thing", ensure the context clearly indicates whose personal feelings or preferences are being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a personal thing" as a vague justification for decisions or preferences without providing any specific reasons. This can come across as dismissive or lacking transparency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a personal thing" is to serve as a noun phrase that describes something as being related to an individual's feelings, preferences, or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to denote matters of individual subjectivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal thing" is a frequently used phrase that signifies something is related to an individual's subjective feelings, preferences, or experiences. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and widespread application, primarily in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, ensure its usage is clear, specific, and appropriate for the context, especially in formal settings where more detailed explanations might be necessary. Alternatives like "a private matter" or "a matter of personal choice" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and clearly indicate whose personal considerations are being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something deeply personal

Emphasizes the profound and intimate nature of something.

a matter of personal choice

Emphasizes the element of choice and individual preference.

an individual preference

Focuses on what someone likes or dislikes based on their own sensibilities.

a private matter

Highlights the confidential or sensitive nature of something.

a sensitive subject

Indicates a topic that requires careful and considerate handling due to its personal nature.

a subjective experience

Focuses on the individual's unique perception or feeling.

a question of personal values

Relates to one's deeply held beliefs and principles.

a matter of individual taste

Highlights personal preferences and aesthetic judgment.

a unique experience

Highlights the singular and distinct nature of an event for an individual.

a self-selected preference

Focuses on the act of choosing based on one's own inclinations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal thing" to indicate that something is related to someone's individual preferences, feelings, or experiences. For example, "Choosing a career path is often "a personal thing"".

What can I say instead of "a personal thing"?

You can use alternatives like "a private matter", "a subjective experience", or "a matter of personal choice" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to say "a personal thing"?

While generally acceptable, using "a personal thing" might not be suitable in formal contexts where more specific or detailed explanations are expected. In such cases, consider elaborating on the underlying reasons or preferences.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a personal thing"?

When someone says something is "a personal thing", it typically means that it is based on their own individual feelings, experiences, or preferences, and may not be easily explained or justified to others.