personal affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or situation that is private or related to an individual's personal life, often implying that it is not a concern for others. Example: "She decided to keep her personal affair out of the public eye to protect her privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The riot was a very personal affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Religion is a very personal affair.

The Guardian - Film

Marketing, too, is an ad-hoc, personal affair.

The New Yorker

It's not a personal affair, its about political choice".

The New York Times

Our reply is that this is not a personal affair.

The New York Times

The funeral was, despite the grandeur of the setting, a strangely personal affair.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"But Chinese intertwine business and personal affairs much more deeply.

The New York Times

Johnson's personal affairs have never been straightforward.

The Guardian - Film

His personal affairs could be just as messy.

The New York Times

And her family's personal affairs were no one else's business.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Tsarnaev was a skilled deflector of curiosity about his personal affairs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "personal affair", be mindful of the audience and context. It can sometimes sound euphemistic, so ensure it aligns with your intended tone and message.

Common error

Avoid using "personal affair" to obscure or downplay serious issues. Be direct and clear about the nature of the situation if transparency is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal affair" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to something private or specific to an individual. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal affair" is a commonly used phrase to denote a matter that is private or specific to an individual. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and can be found in a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, it's important to consider the tone and clarity needed, and to choose whether "personal affair" is the best fit, or whether alternatives like "private matter" or "personal issue" might be more appropriate. Understanding the context and potential interpretations ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal matter

A direct synonym, highlighting the personal nature of the issue.

private matter

Focuses on the privacy aspect, implying confidentiality and discretion.

personal issue

Suggests a problem or challenge that is specific to the person.

private business

Emphasizes the individual's ownership and control over the situation.

private concern

Highlights the confidentiality and limited scope of the matter.

individual concern

Shifts focus to the person affected and their worry or responsibility.

confidential matter

Underscores the importance of keeping the information secret and protected.

individual problem

Focuses on the challenges and difficulties faced by one person.

private trouble

Emphasizes secrecy and the burdensome nature of the situation.

family matter

Specifies that the affair concerns family issues, which can be delicate.

FAQs

How can I use "personal affair" in a sentence?

You can use "personal affair" to describe matters that are private or relate to an individual's life. For example, "She decided to keep her "personal affair" out of the public eye."

What are some alternatives to saying "personal affair"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "private matter", "personal matter", or "personal issue".

Is it appropriate to use "personal affair" in professional contexts?

While "personal affair" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal terms like "private matter" or "confidential matter" in professional settings for clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between "personal affair" and "personal affairs"?

"Personal affair" typically refers to a specific, single incident or situation. "Personal affairs", on the other hand, usually refers to a broader range of "personal affairs", encompassing various aspects of one's life.