personal discussions

USAGE SUMMARY

"personal discussions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to discussions between two or more people that are centered around personal matters, such as conversations about one's feelings, interests, or experiences. For example: "We had several personal discussions, in which we discussed our hopes and dreams for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Tech

"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

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

Manara is experimenting with Montessori teaching methods, and religious education includes moral and personal discussions as well as study of the Qur'an.

The Guardian

After two days of discussing legislative matters in open session and once all outsiders have left, the 550 representatives from around the world will break into groups of 20 for three days of intensive and personal discussions about sexuality.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 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

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

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

The New Yorker

The lesson remained focused on methodology, and there was no opportunity for personal discussion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to sensitive or confidential matters, use "personal discussions" to convey discretion and respect for privacy.

Common error

While "personal discussions" is appropriate, avoid overuse by varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "private talks" or "intimate conversations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal discussions" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to conversations centered around individual experiences, feelings, or matters of privacy. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal discussions" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe conversations centered on individual experiences and feelings. As noted by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to scientific research. While versatile, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "intimate discussions" or "private talks" can enhance your writing. Remember that these discussions often involve sensitive information, so use the phrase with discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal conversations

Replaces "discussions" with "conversations", implying a more informal exchange.

intimate discussions

Adds an element of closeness or confidentiality to the discussions.

private talks

Emphasizes the privacy aspect of the discussions, suggesting they are not public.

one-on-one meetings

Focuses on the individual interaction and setting, rather than the content of the discussion.

heart-to-heart talks

Indicates a deeply emotional and honest exchange.

personal consultations

Suggests a more formal or advisory context for the discussions.

casual chats

Implies a relaxed and informal exchange of personal information.

individual dialogues

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the discussions between individuals.

confidential exchanges

Emphasizes the secrecy and sensitivity of the information shared.

private conferences

Implies a formal discussion of personal matters in a restricted setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal discussions" to describe conversations focusing on individual experiences, feelings, or concerns. For example, "The therapist facilitated "personal discussions" to help patients explore their emotions."

What are some alternatives to "personal discussions"?

Alternatives include "personal conversations", "private talks", or "intimate discussions", each implying different levels of formality and closeness.

When is it appropriate to use "personal discussions" in writing?

Use "personal discussions" when referring to conversations where the focus is on the individual's feelings, experiences, or private matters, especially in contexts like therapy, counseling, or close relationships.

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

"Personal discussions" focus on individual experiences and feelings, while "professional discussions" center on work-related topics, career goals, or industry-specific issues.