personal projects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal projects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individual endeavors or initiatives that someone undertakes for personal interest or development, often outside of professional obligations. Example: "In my free time, I enjoy working on personal projects like painting and writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2008, I left to pursue personal projects, including Muxtape.

The New Yorker

Personal projects: We gutted our apartment on 11th Street.

The New York Times

Now he can give his time to personal projects.

The New York Times - Arts

He may also spend more time on smaller, more personal projects.

The New Yorker

He eventually left The A.P. to devote more time to personal projects.

The New York Times

Some artists are able to do their personal projects while on the job.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Brichter left Twitter almost a year ago to start working on personal projects.

The New York Times

The course is spent presenting personal projects and answering questions on specific issues.

The New York Times - Arts

Crowdfunding, or appealing to the online community for funds for personal projects, seems to be thriving.

The New York Times

When she's not working, Newton "nourishes her soul" with personal projects.

Independent

I ask him whether the personal projects keep him sane amid all the commercial work.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "personal projects" in a professional context, clearly define the scope and relevance of these projects to the skills or qualities you are highlighting.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact or complexity of your "personal projects". Be honest and provide specific details to showcase your abilities without misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal projects" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig examples show its use in various sentence structures, consistently referring to individual, self-motivated endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal projects" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe individual endeavors undertaken for personal growth or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. When discussing your "personal projects", ensure you are clear about their scope and relevance. While acceptable for both professional and informal settings, consider alternatives like "independent endeavors" for a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Individual pursuits

Emphasizes the independent nature of the activities.

Personal undertakings

A more formal alternative, emphasizing commitment.

Private initiatives

Highlights the non-commercial or internal aspect of the undertakings.

Independent endeavors

Stresses self-reliance and autonomy in carrying out the projects.

Passion projects

Emphasizes the deep enthusiasm and personal investment in the projects.

Side interests

Focuses on hobbies or activities pursued outside of regular work.

Hobby projects

Directly refers to activities done for pleasure and personal fulfillment.

Self-directed tasks

Highlights that the person is in charge of the project's direction and implementation.

Pet projects

Implies a strong personal attachment and enthusiasm for the projects.

Extracurricular activities

Highlights the voluntary nature, typically outside regular duties or work.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "personal projects" into my resume?

List them under a dedicated section like 'Projects' or 'Additional Experience', detailing your role, the project's goal, and the skills you utilized. Frame them to highlight transferable skills relevant to the job you're applying for.

What's the difference between "personal activities" and "personal projects"?

"Personal activities" is a broader term encompassing any activities done for personal enjoyment or development, while "personal projects" typically involve a defined goal and a structured approach to achieve it.

When is it appropriate to discuss "personal projects" in a job interview?

It's appropriate when the interviewer asks about your interests, skills, or experiences outside of work. Choose projects that demonstrate relevant skills or highlight your passion and initiative.

What can I say instead of "personal projects" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "independent endeavors", "self-directed tasks", or "personal undertakings" to convey a more professional tone, depending on the context.