personal reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a decision or action that is based on individual circumstances or motivations that are not publicly disclosed. Example: "I am unable to attend the meeting due to a personal reason that I prefer not to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe the person has some personal vendetta - some personal reason that made him speak out so strongly.

WikiHow

If I'm the only person that he isn't giving a ring, then he has a personal reason.

The New York Times - Sports

"What's your personal reason?

The New Yorker

NC: A personal reason.

The New York Times

Shaw also had a more personal reason for his fascination.

Independent

Maybe he has a personal reason against me".

The New York Times - Sports

And she was sad, for a very personal reason.

The Guardian

But he also had his personal reason, he told me.

The Guardian

I don't have a personal reason against him.

The New York Times - Sports

Many have a personal reason for their involvement..

The Guardian

Well, my answer to that is yes, and for this very personal reason.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal reason" when the reason is genuinely private and not directly related to professional capabilities or responsibilities. In professional settings, consider if a more specific but still discreet explanation (e.g., "family matter", "medical appointment") might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "personal reason" excessively as a shield to avoid accountability or transparency, especially in professional contexts. While privacy is important, overusing this phrase without any further context can erode trust and create the impression of being evasive. Instead, aim for a balance between discretion and honesty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal reason" typically functions as a noun phrase or a prepositional phrase complement. It is used to provide a general explanation for an action, decision, or situation without disclosing specific details. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal reason" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to provide a concise explanation while maintaining privacy. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, from news and media to personal communication. While it’s a common and useful phrase, overuse in professional settings without any context might raise questions of transparency. Consider alternatives like "private matter" or "individual circumstance" depending on the situation. Understanding its purpose and potential drawbacks will help you use "personal reason" effectively and appropriately in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual reason

Emphasizes the uniqueness and specific nature of the reason, highlighting that it pertains to a single person.

private motive

Focuses on the confidential aspect of the reason, suggesting it's not meant to be shared publicly.

personal motive

Highlights the inner drive or intention behind someone's actions that is individual and not universal.

personal justification

Refers to a reason given to defend or support an action, but specifically tied to an individual's perspective.

specific motivation

Underscores that the reason is well-defined and particular to the situation or person involved.

underlying cause

Indicates a less obvious, fundamental reason that may not be immediately apparent.

private consideration

Focuses on the thoughtful aspect of the reason, suggesting it's been carefully weighed in private.

individual consideration

Highlights the factor that the reason is unique to a certain person and taken into account for that reason.

personal agenda

Suggests a hidden or ulterior motive that is specific to the individual's goals.

secret reason

Emphasizes that the reason is deliberately kept hidden or unknown to others.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal reason" to explain why you are unable to do something or why you made a certain decision. For example, "I am unable to attend the meeting due to a personal reason" or "She resigned from her position for personal reasons".

What are some alternatives to "personal reason"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "private matter", "individual circumstance", or "family matter" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to ask someone for details after they cite a "personal reason"?

Generally, it's best to respect someone's privacy when they cite a "personal reason". Pressing for details can be intrusive and may damage your relationship with them. Only ask if they offer more information or if the situation requires further clarification for practical reasons.

When is it more appropriate to use "professional reason" over "personal reason"?

Use "professional reason" when the cause is related to the job or work environment. For example, "I cannot take on this additional task due to professional reasons relating to my current workload". "Personal reason" is more suitable for non-work-related issues.