get very personal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get very personal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics that involve intimate or private matters, often in a context where someone is sharing personal feelings or experiences. Example: "During the therapy session, she began to get very personal about her childhood experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

You start thinking about your peak experiences, and things get very personal very fast.

The New York Times

The negative campaigning is likely to get very personal – in fact it already has.

The Guardian

There just seems to be a need in our culture to get very personal.

The Guardian

"There is nothing sincere in what they are saying or doing," Mr. Muscat said, "so it does get very personal".

The New York Times

I asked Balz if Christie could survive the rigors of four town halls a day in Iowa and New Hampshire without getting tripped up by his mouthy East Coast moxie and his tendency to get very personal, very fast.

The New York Times

Walsh was principal of the Minnie Howard School, one of the few schools in the country that has only ninth-graders, and she had made it a rule that her students would all get very personal attention.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"That gets very personal".

The New York Times

It's all gotten very personal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In fact, it is getting very personal.

The New York Times

"A series like this gets very personal," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Sometimes this got very personal, like they were going to get into personal life-dramas that [would] embarrass all of us".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get very personal" when emphasizing that a discussion or interaction is delving into private or sensitive topics. This phrase is suitable when describing a shift towards more intimate or detailed revelations.

Common error

Avoid using "get very personal" in highly formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or professional tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "become deeply personal" or "delve into specific details" for a more appropriate level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get very personal" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of becoming intimately involved or detailed in a discussion or interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and identifies its use in various contexts, including describing therapy sessions and political campaigns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get very personal" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe delving into private or sensitive matters. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and academic settings. While versatile, it is essential to consider the tone and formality of the writing, as it might be less suitable for highly formal or professional environments. Related phrases like "become intimate" or "become deeply personal" can offer more nuanced alternatives. Understanding these subtleties ensures effective communication when addressing sensitive topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become deeply personal

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the personal details shared.

open up emotionally

Centers on expressing one's emotions freely and honestly.

become intimate

Shifts the focus to the development of closeness and familiarity.

bear your soul

Implies a very deep and complete sharing of one's feelings and experiences.

share innermost thoughts

Highlights the sharing of thoughts and feelings that are most private and significant.

reveal personal secrets

Specifically involves the disclosing of secrets.

divulge private matters

Focuses on the act of revealing information that is typically kept secret.

expose one's vulnerabilities

Focuses on revealing aspects of oneself that make one susceptible to harm or criticism.

go into great detail

Refers to providing extensive and specific information, often of a personal nature.

get down to the nitty-gritty

Suggests getting to the most essential and detailed aspects of a situation or topic, often personal.

FAQs

How can I use "get very personal" in a sentence?

You can use "get very personal" to describe a conversation or situation that delves into sensitive or private matters. For example, "The interview began to "get very personal" when she started discussing her childhood."

What's a more formal alternative to "get very personal"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "become deeply personal" or "delve into specific details". These options maintain a level of professionalism while still conveying the idea of discussing sensitive or private topics.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "get very personal"?

It's appropriate when describing a shift towards intimate or detailed revelations in a conversation, discussion, or interaction. However, avoid it in situations where a high level of formality is required.

Is "get very personal" the same as "get too personal"?

No, while both involve personal topics, ""get very personal"" simply means to delve into private matters, whereas "get too personal" implies that the discussion has become inappropriately intrusive or offensive.