on personal terms

USAGE SUMMARY

"on personal terms" is correct and usable in written English.
You would usually use this phrase to describe the nature of a relationship between two people. For example, "They have been friends for years and know each other on very personal terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Bayern Munich have spoken to him and agreed the basis of a deal on personal terms.

The Guardian - Sport

He did not condemn Snowden on personal terms or question his patriotism, as he has done before.

The Guardian

"For them to be burdened unnecessarily because Democrats and Republicans aren't coming together to solve those problems gives you a sense of the costs on personal terms".

The New York Times

Usually when people first move back they stay with family or friends, but you need to be in a place that enables you to re-organise and face your new life on personal terms and resources.

The Guardian

The speed at which agreement was reached on personal terms reflects the fact that Henry's contract is that which had been negotiated during Barcelona's abortive pursuit of the Arsenal captain last year.

The Guardian - Sport

He was also a very strong supporter of Pinochet's dictatorship, on personal terms with the General.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

While critical exchanges did sometimes lead to severed personal relations (Nishida and Tanabe infamously stopped speaking to one another), this was not always the case (Nishitani and Tosaka remained on good personal terms despite their political and philosophical differences).

SEP

"I am not on close personal terms with the chancellor.

The Guardian

After looking into her case he began to relate to Chubbuck on deeply personal terms: Shilowich also suffered from a "long depressive episode".

The Guardian - Film

Nicknamed "Papa-ma-dit" (Daddy told me) for his frequent references to the president, he has been reported to be on close personal terms with many African leaders.

The New York Times

While noting that Sargent was on good personal terms with his many Jewish patrons, she concluded that he "can justifiably be accused of gross cultural blindness and insensitivity".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on personal terms" to describe relationships where there is a degree of familiarity and understanding that goes beyond formal or professional interactions. For instance, "They were on personal terms, often sharing stories about their families".

Common error

Avoid using "on personal terms" when referring to private or confidential information. "Personal matters" is more appropriate in those contexts. For example, say "The discussion remained focused on personal matters", not "on personal terms".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on personal terms" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to describe the nature of a relationship. It indicates a level of familiarity and understanding that goes beyond formal interactions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on personal terms" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a relationship characterized by familiarity and understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While it suggests a positive connection, it's crucial to differentiate it from references to private matters and to consider professional boundaries. Alternatives such as "on a first-name basis" or "on friendly terms" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on good terms

Implies a generally positive relationship without specifying the depth.

on friendly terms

Suggests a positive but not necessarily deep relationship.

on a first-name basis

Refers specifically to familiarity in naming conventions, indicating a less formal relationship.

in a close relationship

Highlights the closeness of the relationship, focusing on emotional connection.

personally acquainted

Focuses on the fact of knowing someone directly.

on intimate terms

Emphasizes a very deep and private connection.

well-acquainted

Suggests a thorough knowledge of someone.

in confidence

Implies a relationship built on trust and discretion.

in a cordial manner

Focuses on politeness and respect in the interaction.

in amity

Indicates a state of friendship and peaceful relations.

FAQs

How can I use "on personal terms" in a sentence?

Use "on personal terms" to describe a relationship characterized by familiarity and understanding. For example, "The manager and employee were "on good terms" and often discussed personal interests."

What does it mean to be "on personal terms" with someone?

Being "on personal terms" with someone implies a relationship that extends beyond formal or professional boundaries. It suggests familiarity, understanding, and possibly some degree of closeness.

What are some alternatives to saying "on personal terms"?

You can use alternatives like "on a first-name basis", "in a close relationship", or "on friendly terms depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to be "on personal terms" with everyone at work?

While it's beneficial to have positive relationships with colleagues, being "on personal terms" may not be appropriate with everyone. Maintaining professional boundaries is essential, especially with supervisors or subordinates.