personal business

USAGE SUMMARY

'personal business' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to private matters which are of a personal nature and not related to someone's job or professional life. For example: "I'm sorry, I can't make it to the meeting - I have some personal business to take care of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's my personal business.

The New York Times

"It's a personal business.

The New York Times

It represents government interference in "personal business".

The New York Times

"This is a personal business to me.

The New York Times

My personal business is my personal business, nobody else's".

The New York Times

"This is a personal business.

The New York Times - Health

"It's my personal business," she said.

The New York Times

"It's a really personal business," he said.

The New York Times

I told them that was my personal business.

The New York Times

Some restaurateurs object to computerizing an essentially personal business.

The New York Times - Travel

PERSONAL BUSINESS: SHORT CUTS E-mail: [email protected].

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "personal business" in professional communication, ensure the context is appropriate and respects privacy boundaries. Avoid being overly inquisitive or sharing unnecessary details.

Common error

Avoid using "personal business" as a vague excuse without providing necessary context when it affects others. Be transparent enough to maintain trust and professionalism, without divulging sensitive information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal business" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly refers to private matters or affairs that are specific to an individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal business" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to private or confidential matters. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to indicate that a topic is not for public discussion. While widely accepted, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring transparency and professionalism in communication. Consider alternatives like ""private matter"" or "personal affairs" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal matters

Broadly refers to any issues or situations that are specific to an individual's life.

private matter

Focuses on the confidentiality and sensitivity of the issue, emphasizing its non-public nature.

personal affairs

Highlights the range of individual concerns and activities in someone's life.

personal issues

Refers to problems or challenges that an individual is facing.

private dealings

Emphasizes the secretive or confidential nature of transactions or interactions.

private concerns

Highlights worries or anxieties that someone keeps to themselves.

individual concerns

Shifts the focus to matters that affect a specific person's well-being or interests.

confidential affairs

Stresses the secrecy and sensitivity surrounding certain events or activities.

private life

Emphasizes the aspects of someone's existence that are not meant for public knowledge or scrutiny.

individual responsibilities

Highlights the duties and obligations that pertain to a specific person.

FAQs

How can I politely decline to discuss my "personal business" with someone?

You can say something like, "I appreciate your concern, but that's "personal business" I'm not comfortable discussing right now." or "It's a "private matter" I'd rather not get into."

What's the difference between "personal business" and "private affairs"?

"Personal business" often refers to specific tasks or matters requiring attention, while "private affairs" is a broader term encompassing the totality of someone's "personal life" and dealings.

Is it appropriate to ask an employee about their "personal business" if it's affecting their work?

It's generally better to focus on the employee's performance and offer support, rather than directly inquiring about their "personal business". You might say, "I've noticed some changes in your performance, and I'm here to help if you're facing any challenges."

What are some professional ways to indicate I need time off for "personal business"?

You can request a "day off for "personal matters"" or simply state that you require leave for "private reasons" without disclosing specific details.