personal interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal interest" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person’s specific and individual interests, desires, or motivations. For example, "The success of the project was driven by his personal interest in seeing it succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a personal interest in each person and their family.

WikiHow

I have a personal interest in "Tomatoland".

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps I should declare a personal interest.

The New York Times

"It fit with personal interest".

The New York Times - Arts

He also had a personal interest.

The Guardian

I must confess a personal interest.

The Guardian - Books

With a personal interest, and an impartiality.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This isn't just about my personal interest.

The Guardian

But this goes beyond personal interest.

The Guardian

It is not his personal interest.

The New York Times

5. Declare personal interest when applicable.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When disclosing a "personal interest", be specific about the nature and extent of your involvement to maintain transparency and credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of your "personal interest" on a situation, as it can undermine objectivity and be perceived as biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It identifies a specific area of concern, enthusiasm, or involvement for an individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal interest" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe someone's specific liking, concern, or motivation related to something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability in English. It is frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki articles, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, it's best to be transparent about the extent of the interest to maintain credibility, while avoiding exaggeration to prevent perceptions of bias. Alternative phrases like "individual concern" or "private stake" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual concern

Emphasizes the individual's worry or responsibility toward something.

private stake

Focuses on the individual's involvement or investment.

specific inclination

Highlights the personal preference towards a particular thing.

particular motive

Highlights the reason behind someone's action.

individual passion

Implies a strong enthusiasm towards a specific subject.

vested interest

Suggests a more formal or significant stake, often with financial implications.

personal investment

Emphasizes the resources or effort put into something by an individual.

own concern

Highlights a personal matter.

private agenda

Implies a hidden or ulterior motive behind someone's actions.

pet project

Refers to a favorite activity or undertaking pursued with enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal interest" to describe a particular subject or activity that someone enjoys or is concerned about. For example, "His research was driven by a deep "personal interest" in environmental conservation".

What's the difference between "personal interest" and "vested interest"?

"Personal interest" refers to a general liking or enthusiasm for something, while "vested interest" implies a more tangible stake, often involving financial or professional gain.

What are some synonyms for "personal interest"?

Alternatives include "individual concern", "private stake", or "specific inclination", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to disclose a "personal interest" in a professional setting?

Yes, disclosing a "personal interest" is often necessary to maintain transparency and avoid potential conflicts of interest, especially when it could influence your decisions or actions.