multiple personalities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple personalities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing psychology, literature, or character traits, particularly when referring to individuals exhibiting distinct identities or behaviors. Example: "The novel's protagonist struggles with multiple personalities, each representing a different aspect of their life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a four-person memory for those with roommates or multiple personalities.

TechCrunch

Writers are multiple personalities.

The Guardian - Books

Perhaps I have multiple personalities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He suggested that Saddam had multiple personalities.

The New Yorker

I do not have any multiple personalities..

The New York Times - Magazine

"He doesn't have multiple personalities," Dr. Blumberg testified.

The New York Times

Well, it's not so much that as multiple personalities.

The New Yorker

Actresses love to play characters with multiple personalities.

The New York Times - Arts

Does this mean that each of us has multiple personalities?

Yale University

Washington has always been a city of multiple personalities.

The New York Times - Travel

These multiple personalities made Purdy difficult to classify.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "multiple personalities" to create complex and conflicting characters, exploring inner turmoil and identity struggles.

Common error

Avoid casually using "multiple personalities" to describe someone who is simply moody or has varied interests. The term refers to a specific psychological condition and should not be used lightly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple personalities" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe individuals or entities exhibiting different identities or aspects, whether in a clinical context or a figurative sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "multiple personalities" is a noun phrase that describes the condition now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), although it can also be used metaphorically to depict multifaceted characters or entities. According to Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media and academic contexts. However, the phrase should be used carefully and avoided in everyday conversation, as it can trivialize a serious psychological condition. While related phrases like "multifaceted personalities" or "several personalities" can sometimes be used as substitutes, they do not always carry the same clinical implication. Therefore, understanding the context and intended meaning is crucial for accurate and respectful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multifaceted personalities

Replaces "multiple" with "multifaceted", emphasizing the many aspects of personality.

several personalities

Substitutes "multiple" with "several", indicating more than one personality.

various personalities

Replaces "multiple" with "various", highlighting the diversity of personalities.

many personalities

Replaces "multiple" with "many", indicating a large quantity of personalities.

myriad personalities

Replaces "multiple" with "myriad", suggesting a large number of personalities.

diverse personas

Uses "personas" instead of "personalities", focusing on the different faces or roles someone presents.

split personality

A more informal way of talking about the same concept, although is more linked to the past than "multiple personalities".

fragmented identity

Shifts the focus to the fractured sense of self, rather than distinct personalities.

shifting identities

Emphasizes the dynamic nature of the different identities.

alter egos

Uses "alter egos" to describe different identities.

FAQs

How can I use "multiple personalities" in a sentence?

You can use "multiple personalities" to describe a character in a novel or a person diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. For example: "The character's struggle with "multiple personalities" made the story complex."

What is a more accurate term for "multiple personalities" in a clinical setting?

In modern psychology, the term Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is more commonly used in place of "multiple personalities". It's crucial to use the appropriate term when discussing clinical matters.

Can "multifaceted personalities" be used as a substitute for "multiple personalities"?

While "multifaceted personalities" can describe someone with diverse traits, it doesn't carry the same clinical implication as "multiple personalities" or DID. The terms are not fully interchangeable.

Is it appropriate to use "multiple personalities" metaphorically?

Using "multiple personalities" metaphorically can be acceptable in creative writing to depict inner conflict, but avoid using it casually in everyday conversation, as it can trivialize a serious psychological condition.