a pet project

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pet project" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a project that someone is particularly passionate about, often pursued for personal interest rather than for professional reasons. Example: "In her free time, she works on her pet project, which is a community garden aimed at promoting local biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

Style

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's not a pet project.

Independent

The hospital has become a pet project.

The New York Times

The school is a pet project of the Bronx representative, Sandra E. Lerner.

The New York Times

(Its restoration is a pet project of the vice chairman of Forbes, CHRISTOPHER FORBES).

The New York Times

"This is not a pet project for me, I'm taking this very seriously.

The Guardian

His interest in flight medicine has meant that the airport clinic is a pet project.

The New York Times

It's always that thing that this is a dilettante or a pet project.

The Guardian - Music

Harrison began producing the Plymouth version as a pet project several years ago.

The New York Times - Style

Among other things, he is keen to protect a pet project, Proton, the national car company.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The opposition from inside his party to a pet-project of Boehner's is a rebuke to the speaker.

Huffington Post

Never treat helping your shy friend socialize as a pet-project, overshooting it with attention.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pet project", ensure the context clearly indicates the personal connection and enthusiasm the individual has for the project. This adds depth and understanding to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "a pet project" to describe initiatives with significant organizational impact. This can diminish the perceived value and undermine its credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pet project" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples show it describing initiatives closely associated with an individual's passion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Independent

9%

Style

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Tech

2%

Health

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pet project" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a project to which someone is personally dedicated and passionate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. The phrase is versatile, appearing in neutral contexts such as news articles. However, it's important to consider the level of formality required in your writing; in highly formal settings, alternatives like "a personal initiative" might be more appropriate. Ensure your usage reflects the personal investment involved in the project, and avoid overstating the project's importance to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A passion project

Directly indicates that the project is driven by strong personal interest and enthusiasm.

A personal endeavor

Emphasizes the individual's involvement and investment in the project.

A labor of love

Highlights the emotional investment and dedication put into the project.

A cherished undertaking

Stresses the value and importance the individual places on the project.

A private initiative

Emphasizes the project's independent nature and lack of external influence.

A hobby project

Suggests a project undertaken for leisure and enjoyment, rather than professional gain.

A side interest

Highlights that the project is pursued alongside other primary activities or responsibilities.

A special interest

Highlights a specific area of focus or enthusiasm.

A voluntary scheme

Implies that project is undertaken without financial compensation.

An informal activity

Highlights the casual nature of the project.

FAQs

How can I use "a pet project" in a sentence?

You can use "a pet project" to describe a project that someone is particularly interested in and dedicated to, often pursued for personal satisfaction rather than professional gain. For example: "Her community garden is her "a pet project", where she dedicates her weekends."

What's a good alternative to "a pet project"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a passion project", "a personal endeavor", or "a labor of love".

Is "a pet project" suitable for formal writing?

While "a pet project" is widely understood, it leans towards a more informal register. In formal writing, consider using "a personal initiative" or "a special project" to maintain a professional tone.

What distinguishes "a pet project" from a regular project?

"A pet project" typically implies a strong personal connection and enthusiasm from the person undertaking it. Unlike a regular project assigned for professional reasons, "a pet project" is driven by personal interest and passion.