personal interests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal interests" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone's hobbies, goals, or other activities that are interesting to them but are not related to their job or school. For example: "I'm really interested in exploring different cultures and learning new languages, so I pursue these activities as part of my personal interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

WikiHow

The Guardian

The New York Times

The New Yorker

Independent

Forbes

BBC

The Economist

Vice

Huffington Post

Los Angeles Times

Wikipedia

BMJ Open

BMC Health Services Research

BMC Medical Education

BMC Public Health

BMC Veterinary Research

American Journal of Gastroenterology

British Medical Journal

Globalization and Health

Health Research Policy and Systems

Science Magazine

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

City, Territory and Architecture

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

SEP

Science & Research

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is full of hunting trophies and mementos symbolizing his personal interests and his personality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Your personal interests are not there to make you look interesting.

WikiHow

What are your personal interests?

The Guardian

Others balance personal interests with academic commitments.

The Guardian

The interests of the country come before our personal interests".

The New York Times

MP: When I design, my personal interests are my primary focus, my personal interests in life, in society, in culture.

The New York Times

They say their personal interests do not affect their votes.

The New York Times

He succeeds Lisa Sharples, who is leaving, the company said, to pursue personal interests.

The New York Times

She succeeds Claire Marin, who left, the magazine said, to pursue personal interests.

The New York Times

"It's really become this Rorschach test for your personal interests and anxieties".

The New York Times

He said he would defend "both my personal interests and the interests of the country".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "personal interests" in a professional setting, tailor your selection to align with the company culture or the role's requirements. Sharing interests that demonstrate skills like teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving can enhance your candidacy.

Common error

Avoid listing "personal interests" that are too private or could be perceived as controversial or unprofessional. Focus on interests that present you in a positive and well-rounded light.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal interests" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe hobbies, passions, and other non-professional activities. The Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Science

26%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

19%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal interests" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an individual's hobbies, passions, or activities outside of work or school. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general interest articles. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's important to tailor the selection of "personal interests" to suit the context, particularly in professional settings, avoiding overly private or controversial topics. Alternatives like "individual pursuits" or "private passions" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual pursuits

Focuses on activities an individual chooses to engage in.

private passions

Emphasizes the strong emotions and enthusiasm associated with the interests.

leisure activities

Highlights interests pursued during free time.

extracurricular activities

Often used in an academic context, referring to activities outside the standard curriculum.

hobbies and pastimes

Refers to recreational activities done for enjoyment.

favorite recreations

Highlights preferred activities done for pleasure and relaxation.

personal inclinations

Focuses on the inherent preferences and tendencies of an individual.

preferred activities

Highlights specific activities that one favors and enjoys.

after-work activities

Specifies activities done outside of working hours.

personal hobbies

Specific recreational activites pursued for leisure.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe my "personal interests" in a job interview?

Focus on interests that showcase relevant skills or qualities, such as teamwork, leadership, or creativity. Briefly explain how these interests make you a well-rounded individual and a valuable asset to the company.

What are some examples of "personal interests" to include on a resume?

Consider including interests like volunteering, sports, creative arts, or community involvement. Choose interests that reflect positively on your character and demonstrate your ability to balance work and leisure.

Is it better to use "individual pursuits" or "personal interests"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "personal interests" is more common and widely understood. "Individual pursuits" may sound more formal or academic, depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to discuss "personal interests" in a professional setting?

It's typically appropriate during interviews, networking events, or informal conversations with colleagues. However, it's important to gauge the situation and avoid oversharing or discussing sensitive topics.