less personal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less personal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that lacks intimacy or emotional connection, often in contrast to something that is more personal. Example: "The email was less personal than I expected, lacking the warmth of a handwritten note."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is less personal than gossip attacking another person but is as equally damaging and demoralizing.

WikiHow

is less personal, but it gives the person a chance to consider the request.

WikiHow

Third person makes your writing more objective and less personal.

WikiHow

Make politics less personal.

Harvard Business Review

Bears-Packers is less personal than institutional.

The New York Times - Sports

It somehow seemed cleaner, less personal".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. McGuinness was less personal, but brusque.

The New York Times

"L'Atalante" was less personal for Vigo.

The New York Times

Does that make them less personal?

The Guardian

It's much less personal this way".

The New York Times - Books

He made the partisanship less personal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften potentially critical feedback, frame it in "less personal" terms. Focus on behaviors or outcomes rather than directly addressing someone's character or abilities.

Common error

While "less personal" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid it in casual conversations where it can sound detached or cold. Opt for warmer, more empathetic phrasing to build rapport.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less personal" functions as an adjective modifier, indicating a reduced degree of individual or emotional involvement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts to describe varying degrees of detachment or objectivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

15%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less personal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that denotes a reduction in individual or emotional connection. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and demonstrates its versatility across various contexts. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, it's crucial to consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly to avoid sounding detached in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "more impersonal", "more objective", or "more formal" can be considered based on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less intimate

Focuses on reduced closeness or familiarity, highlighting the emotional distance involved.

more impersonal

Indicates a complete lack of personal touch, a stronger departure from being personal than "less personal".

more detached

Emphasizes emotional distance and a lack of engagement or involvement.

more distant

Implies a reduction in emotional proximity or engagement.

less individual

Points to a decrease in unique, personal characteristics or considerations.

more generic

Suggests a lack of specific personal attributes, becoming more general or common.

less friendly

Signifies a decrease in warmth and amiability in interactions.

less affectionate

Highlights a reduction in displays of warmth, care, or fondness.

more formal

Indicates a shift toward stricter adherence to conventional rules or procedures, reducing personal interaction.

more objective

Implies an approach based on facts rather than personal feelings or biases.

FAQs

How can I make my writing "less personal" in academic papers?

To make your writing "less personal" in academic papers, focus on objective facts, use third-person perspective, and avoid emotional language. For example, instead of saying "I believe this is true", state "Evidence suggests this is the case".

What are some alternatives to saying something is "less personal"?

Alternatives to saying something is "less personal" include "more impersonal", "more objective", or "more formal", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "less personal" in a business email?

Yes, using "less personal" language is often appropriate in business emails, especially when conveying information or making requests where objectivity and professionalism are important. However, balance this with a polite and respectful tone.

How does being "less personal" impact communication?

Being "less personal" in communication can reduce emotional bias and increase objectivity, but it may also decrease warmth and rapport. Consider the context and audience to strike the right balance.