for personal gain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for personal gain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which someone is doing something to benefit themselves at the expense of others. For example, "He invested in the company for personal gain and did not care about the effects on its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They manipulate for personal gain.

Independent

Not for personal gain?

The New York Times - Magazine

for personal gain and professional advancement.

The New Yorker

Some people are here for personal gain.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's doing this for personal gain.

The Guardian

Not that there isn't opportunity for personal gain.

The New York Times - Arts

These kids are being misled by others for personal gain".

The New York Times - Sports

But she used her marriage for personal gain.

The New York Times

Najib denies taking any money for personal gain.

The Guardian

Guantánamo detainees are not ordinary criminals out for personal gain.

The New York Times

Many functions of government have been adapted for personal gain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for personal gain" when you want to emphasize the self-serving motivation behind an action, especially when it might be considered unethical or inappropriate. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "for personal gain" in contexts where self-interest is expected or neutral. Opt for phrases like "for personal benefit" if the intent isn't necessarily exploitative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for personal gain" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the purpose or motivation behind an action. As seen in Ludwig examples, it specifies that the action is performed to achieve a personal advantage or benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for personal gain" is a frequently used adverbial phrase that modifies an action by specifying it's self-serving purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct. However, its use often implies criticism or disapproval, suggesting that the action benefits the individual at the expense of others or ethical considerations. While its register is mostly neutral to formal, the context dictates its suitability; being less appropriate in purely objective academic or professional settings. When aiming for neutrality, considering alternatives such as ""for personal benefit"" is a smart decision. The phrase appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, demonstrating its wide applicability in contexts that analyze motivations and consequences of actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for personal benefit

This phrase directly relates to receiving advantages and improvements, but is more neutral.

to benefit oneself

This is a more direct and neutral way of stating the intention to gain personally.

for self-enrichment

This alternative implies a focus on accumulating wealth and resources.

for one's own advantage

This emphasizes the exploitative nature of the action being taken.

out of self-interest

This phrase highlights a natural inclination to act in one's own favor, without necessarily implying wrongdoing.

to further one's own interests

This alternative emphasizes advancement and achieving goals.

for selfish reasons

This phrase highlights the egotistical motivation behind actions.

for the sake of profit

This alternative specifically points to financial profit as the primary motivator.

with ulterior motives

This suggests a hidden agenda and a lack of transparency.

to feather one's nest

This idiom implies accumulating wealth or advantages, often at the expense of others.

FAQs

What does "for personal gain" mean?

The phrase "for personal gain" describes actions taken primarily to benefit oneself, often implying that these actions may be unethical or at the expense of others.

How can I use "for personal gain" in a sentence?

You can use "for personal gain" to describe someone's motivations, such as, "He used his position "for personal gain", accepting bribes to approve projects."

What are some alternatives to "for personal gain"?

Some alternatives include "for personal benefit", "for selfish reasons", or "out of self-interest". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to act "for personal gain"?

While often used in a negative context, acting "for personal gain" is not always inherently bad. However, it often suggests a prioritization of self-interest over ethical considerations or the well-being of others.