in a personal capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a personal capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are acting in a capacity other than your official title or role. For example, you may say "I am making this comment in a personal capacity, not on behalf of my company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He writes in a personal capacity and often, in the third person.

The Guardian - Opinion

He writes here in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

She is writing in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

She writes in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

She writes here in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

He writes in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

This was written in a personal capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is writing in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

Alexander Goldberg writes here in a personal capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is writing here in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

Hughes said he was speaking in a personal capacity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contributing to public discussions or publications, explicitly state that you are speaking "in a personal capacity" if your views do not reflect those of your employer or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "in a personal capacity" when your actions or statements directly involve or impact your professional responsibilities. This phrase is meant to indicate separation, not to excuse actions within your professional purview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a personal capacity" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the circumstances or conditions under which an action is performed or a statement is made. It clarifies that the subject is acting independently of any official role, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a personal capacity" serves to clarify that one is acting independently of any organizational affiliation or official role. As Ludwig AI confirms, this grammatically correct phrase is frequently encountered across various sources, primarily in news and media contexts. Its usage is particularly important in professional settings, where opinions or actions could be misconstrued as representing an organization. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, be sure that it serves to differentiate your personal views from your professional obligations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an individual

Emphasizes the separateness from any official role.

in one's own name

Highlights that the action is being done under the person's own authority.

on one's own account

Focuses on the personal responsibility for the action.

in a non-official role

Directly contrasts with any official position held.

in a private capacity

Stresses the privacy and non-public nature of the action.

in a non-representative manner

Underscores that the person is not speaking for a group.

independently

Focuses on the autonomous nature of the action or statement.

apart from official duties

Clarifies that the activity is outside the scope of regular responsibilities.

outside of formal obligations

Highlights the lack of any mandatory requirement.

as a private citizen

Emphasizes the role of the person as a member of the public.

FAQs

What does it mean to act "in a personal capacity"?

Acting "in a personal capacity" means you are acting as an individual, expressing your own views or taking actions that are not representative of any organization or official role you may have. It signifies independence from professional obligations.

When should I specify that I am speaking "in a personal capacity"?

Use this phrase when you are sharing opinions or engaging in activities that could be misinterpreted as representing your employer, organization, or any official position you hold. It's crucial for clarity and to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

What can I say instead of "in a personal capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "as an individual", "in a private capacity", or "on my own account" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to state I'm acting "in a personal capacity" if it's obvious?

Even if it seems apparent, explicitly stating that you're acting "in a personal capacity" can prevent misunderstandings and ensure transparency, especially in contexts where your professional role is well-known.