a personal work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a personal work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a piece of work that is created for oneself or reflects one's personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings. Example: "The artist presented a personal work that explored her journey through grief and healing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In its choice of authors and of illustrative selections, the Dictionary is a personal work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Literary, lyrical and confessional, Bridgit is both a personal work and an attempt to analyse one's place in the world.

The Guardian - Arts

It's a personal work, as well, one that's set in Mr. McGuire's own childhood living room in Perth Amboy, N.J.

The New York Times - Books

This paper introduces a method for sizing workstations to allow for a personal work area for each user and a shared space for adjacent users.

Applied Ergonomics

"Enter the Void," despite its attempt to fuse man with machine, is scarcely as friendly, though it's certainly a personal work.

The New York Times

"Zakhor" was, as he put it, "an effort to understand myself as a Jewish historian": though unimpeachably rigorous and scholarly, it is at heart a personal work.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And, more importantly, it's a small, personal work, a game clearly shaped and cared for by human hands.

Vice

So the question is: How do you manage it?' " "A Steady Rain" was a particularly personal work for Mr. Huff, the playwright, who married into a police family.

The New York Times

This is an intensely personal work, a relic of his sexual relationships with Cy Twombly (who scrawled on the pillow) and Jasper Johns.

The Guardian - Arts

This is hardly the cinema of a recluse, then, but a deeply personal work that reveals the author's soul.

The Guardian - Film

And for an ethnographic study, it is a remarkably personal work.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, using "a personal work" can differentiate a project from purely commercial or academic endeavors, suggesting a unique and passionate approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a personal work" redundantly if the context already implies individuality or self-expression. Instead, focus on specific qualities that make the work unique, such as its emotional resonance or innovative technique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal work" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a piece of work that is deeply connected to the individual's experiences, emotions, or perspectives. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal work" is a noun phrase denoting a project deeply connected to an individual's experiences or perspectives. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific domains. Its purpose is to emphasize the subjective and individual nature of the work. When using this phrase, consider its neutral-to-formal register and avoid redundancy by highlighting specific qualities that make the project unique. Related phrases such as "a deeply personal endeavor" and "an individual creation" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deeply personal endeavor

Stresses the level of emotional investment and personal connection the creator has with the work.

an individual creation

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the work, focusing on the creator's personal touch.

a heartfelt composition

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional depth conveyed through the work.

a self-reflective project

Highlights the introspective nature of the work, where the creator explores their own thoughts and feelings.

a unique artistic vision

Highlights the singular and original perspective brought to the work by the creator.

an autobiographical creation

Indicates that the work is based on the creator's own life experiences and story.

a labor of love

Highlights the dedication and passion involved in creating the work, suggesting a strong personal connection.

a subjective expression

Focuses on the expression of personal feelings and opinions in the work.

a customized piece

Focuses on the tailoring of the work to specific personal preferences or requirements.

a private undertaking

Emphasizes the personal and often secluded nature of creating the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal work" to describe projects that reflect individual experiences, emotions, or perspectives. For example, "Her latest film is "a personal work" exploring her family history."

What's the difference between "a personal work" and "a professional project"?

"A professional project" focuses on skill and expertise for commercial or career goals, whereas "a personal work" emphasizes individual expression and emotional connection, often driven by passion rather than monetary reward.

Are there synonyms for "a personal work" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a deeply personal endeavor", "an individual creation", or "a self-reflective project" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a personal work"?

The phrase "a personal work" is suitable when discussing art, literature, film, or any creative project where the creator's unique perspective and experiences are central. It’s also relevant when discussing goals of personal development or improvement, such as "a personal goal".