personal call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a phone call made for personal reasons rather than professional or business purposes. Example: "I need to take a personal call, so please excuse me for a moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We ourselves received a personal call.

The New Yorker

"It's a hard call, a personal call," she said.

The New York Times

It was a personal call, having to do with golf.

The New Yorker

His personal call to faith came relatively late in life.

The Washington Post

We were trying not to listen, but it seemed to be a personal call," she says.

The Guardian

Attendees are likely to respond to a local accent and more personal call.

The Guardian

The White House invited Mr. Green and the newspaper's publisher, Laura Hollingsworth, to join a "personal call" with the president.

The New York Times

One item on a list written from Selma Jail in February 1965 reads: "make personal call to President Johnson".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Personal calls in the office?

The Guardian - Money

But loud personal calls are definitely out.

The New York Times - Tech

Brenda has been making personal calls all day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When mentioning a "personal call" in professional contexts, consider clarifying its purpose briefly to avoid ambiguity, especially if it occurs during work hours.

Common error

Avoid using "personal call" when the call is actually related to work or a professional matter. Ensure the term accurately reflects the nature of the conversation to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal call" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "personal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "call". It identifies a phone call made for private or non-business reasons. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal call" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a phone call made for non-professional reasons. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently used in news and media, but also appears in academic and other sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion, and consider alternatives like "private call" or "individual call" for nuanced meanings. When in doubt, always prioritize clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private call

Emphasizes the confidentiality of the call.

individual call

Focuses on the call being specific to one person.

personal phone call

More explicit by including the word "phone".

private conversation

Shifts the focus from the medium (call) to the content (conversation).

off-the-record call

Highlights that the conversation is not intended for public knowledge.

personal discussion

Replaces "call" with a broader term, "discussion".

one-on-one call

Emphasizes the direct and personal nature of the communication.

non-business call

Clarifies the purpose of the call by stating what it is not.

personal appeal

Highlights the intent of the call as a request or plea.

intimate call

Implies a deeper, more emotional connection in the conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal call" to indicate a phone call made for personal reasons. For example, "I need to step out to take a personal call", or "He excused himself for a personal call during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "personal call"?

Some alternatives include "private call", "individual call", or "personal phone call" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to take a "personal call" during work hours?

While occasional "personal calls" during work hours are generally acceptable, it's best to keep them brief and avoid disrupting others. If the call is expected to be lengthy or sensitive, consider taking it during a break or stepping away from the workspace.

What's the difference between a "personal call" and a business call?

A "personal call" is made for personal reasons, such as contacting family or friends. A business call, on the other hand, is related to work or professional matters. The distinction lies in the purpose and content of the call.