personal discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation or dialogue that is private or intimate in nature, often involving personal matters. Example: "I would like to have a personal discussion with you about your career goals and aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

If you want to act awkward around your crush, you should always come up to him or her, even if the person is having an obviously personal discussion with friends.

WikiHow

An interesting and personal discussion about yourself, one that reveals your personality and character, will help you come alive to the admissions committee.

Cornell University

Inferences from personal discussion with management were solely dependent on experience and expertise of person concerned.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

But it soon gave way to a more personal discussion.

The New York Times

This is going to be a fairly personal discussion.

Cornell University

Writer is frustrated by the lack of personal discussion with the Chinese.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

When giving talks on college campuses, I used to avoid personal discussions of my atheism.

The New York Times

Mr. Jobs said in an interview that the resolution came through personal discussions with Jeff Zucker, the chief executive of NBC Universal.

The New York Times

Moore says he's noticed drivers talk about traffic but conversation usually moves quickly into personal discussions.

The Guardian - Tech

Personal discussions, written material and demonstration/practice, were the most commonly used educational methods, while videos and PCs were seldom used.

Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing

"I have had personal discussions with a number of media outlets about the need to be careful about how the issue is presented," said the spokesman.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal discussion" when emphasizing the private and intimate nature of a conversation. It implies a focus on individual feelings, experiences, or concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "personal discussion" in highly formal or business settings where a more professional term like "private consultation" or "one-on-one meeting" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal discussion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "have a personal discussion") or as a complement in a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is usable and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

16%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "personal discussion" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a private and sensitive conversation centered on individual matters. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and media, academia, and scientific publications. When aiming for formality, consider alternatives like "private consultation". When writing with "personal discussion", ensure its usage aligns with the intended tone and context to effectively communicate privacy and individual focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private conversation

Emphasizes the confidential nature of the conversation.

intimate dialogue

Highlights the close and personal nature of the exchange.

one-on-one talk

Focuses on the direct and individual aspect of the discussion.

confidential chat

Stresses the secrecy and personal content of the conversation.

private consultation

Suggests a more formal and advisory tone to the discussion.

personal consultation

Highlights the personal nature of a consultation.

heart-to-heart conversation

Implies a deep and emotionally revealing exchange.

frank exchange

Emphasizes the honesty and openness of the discussion.

unguarded moment

Suggests a spontaneous and sincere sharing of thoughts.

direct conversation

Highlights the straightforward nature of the dialogue.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal discussion" to describe a private conversation where personal matters are discussed. For example, "I need to have a "personal discussion" with you about your performance."

What are some alternatives to "personal discussion"?

Alternatives include "private conversation", "intimate dialogue", or "confidential chat" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "personal discussion"?

It's appropriate to use "personal discussion" when referring to conversations involving sensitive, private, or individual matters. It is suitable for contexts where a degree of trust and confidentiality is implied.

What's the difference between "personal discussion" and "professional discussion"?

"Personal discussion" focuses on individual matters, feelings, or experiences, whereas a "professional discussion" centers on work-related topics, career goals, or performance evaluations.