make a personal appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a personal appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone attending an event or gathering in person, often to meet or engage with others. Example: "The celebrity is expected to make a personal appearance at the charity event this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Christensen will make a personal appearance.

The New York Times

He was also to make a personal appearance.

The New Yorker

Ruth was in California, vacationing, and in no hurry to make a personal appearance back East.

The New Yorker

At each destination, he will make a personal appearance and demonstration.

The New York Times

Several months later it was time for Mr Livingstone to make a personal appearance.

The Guardian

In the 21st century, the place to make a personal appearance is cyberspace.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Interview with Zolar, the world's most popular astrologer, who never makes a personal appearance.

The New Yorker

Mr. Boyle, a former advertising genius who now believes he is Jesus Christ, makes a personal appearance at a gospel meeting.

The New York Times

Drew doesn't listen, and Rocco soon makes a personal appearance to tell him what he thinks.

The New York Times - Arts

Miller's social life -- movies, shopping -- is restricted to weekends when she is not competing or making a personal appearance.

The New York Times - Sports

In the end, the bitterly cold weather and a plan to visit Auschwitz prevented Mr Chirac from making a personal appearance in the Swiss mountain resort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a personal appearance", ensure the context implies an event or gathering where the person's presence is noteworthy or expected. This phrase is commonly used for celebrities, public figures, or individuals whose attendance adds value to the occasion.

Common error

Avoid using "make a personal appearance" in everyday situations where simply saying someone "attended" or "showed up" is more appropriate. The phrase carries a connotation of formality or significance that may be misplaced in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a personal appearance" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of someone physically attending an event or location. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is commonly used to describe the presence of notable individuals at specific occasions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a personal appearance" is a commonly used expression to describe someone's presence at an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for contexts where the person's presence is noteworthy. Related phrases include "appear in person" or "attend in person". When writing, avoid overusing the phrase in casual contexts. It's a versatile phrase that adds a touch of formality to event announcements and descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear in person

Focuses on the physical presence, removing the implication of a formal event.

attend in person

Emphasizes the act of attending, with less focus on the 'appearance' aspect.

put in an appearance

Similar meaning, but stresses a brief or obligatory presence.

show up at

Informal way to describe arriving at a place.

be present at

Formal and neutral way to indicate presence at an event.

visit personally

Highlights the personal aspect of the visit, less about a formal appearance.

turn up

Informal British English alternative for showing up.

grace with one's presence

More formal and often humorous way of saying someone attended.

present oneself

Formal way of indicating someone's arrival or introduction.

make an official visit

More formal than QUERY. Describes a visit with an official purpose.

FAQs

What does "make a personal appearance" mean?

To "make a personal appearance" means to attend an event or gathering in person, often with the expectation of being seen or engaging with attendees. It's commonly used in the context of celebrities, public figures, or special guests.

What can I say instead of "make a personal appearance"?

You can use alternatives like "appear in person", "attend in person", or "show up at" depending on the formality and context.

Is it correct to say "did a personal appearance" instead of "make a personal appearance"?

While "did a personal appearance" might be understood, "make a personal appearance" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. It's the preferred choice in formal writing and speech.

What is the difference between "make a personal appearance" and "visit personally"?

"Make a personal appearance" usually implies attending an event or gathering, while "visit personally" focuses on the act of visiting someone in a more individual or private context. The nuance depends heavily on the context.