personal sacrifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal sacrifice" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of giving up something valuable for the benefit of others or a greater cause. For example, "Her personal sacrifice for the community was truly inspiring." Alternative expressions include "selfless act" and "individual sacrifice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Your personal sacrifice is trying to be a better person, a better Muslim, a better neighbor".

The New York Times

I will not diminish their personal sacrifice!

The New York Times

Are you prepared for the personal sacrifice?

The New Yorker

And the only way out is through personal sacrifice.

The New Yorker

Her life has also been one of personal sacrifice.

The New York Times

Sierra Leoneans cooperated with this measure at great personal sacrifice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her decision to stay put came at considerable personal sacrifice.

The New York Times

Asking for personal sacrifice is fine for the West.

The New Yorker

Tirelessly devoted to family unity often at personal sacrifice.

The New York Times

Green policymaking, rather than personal sacrifice, is the solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Personal sacrifice has been called for, to be sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "personal sacrifice", be specific about what is being given up and what the intended benefit is. This provides clarity and context to the action.

Common error

Avoid using "personal sacrifice" to describe minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where significant time, resources, or opportunities are genuinely forgone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal sacrifice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of giving up something valued for a greater good. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal sacrifice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes giving up something valued for a greater cause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears most often in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and scientific publications. When using the phrase, be specific about what is being sacrificed and the intended benefit. While frequently commendable, assess the benefits and consequences to avoid exaggerating its meaning and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-sacrifice

Emphasizes the act of sacrificing oneself, which is slightly more intense than simply making a sacrifice.

self-denial

Focuses on the act of denying oneself pleasures or comforts, highlighting the aspect of foregoing personal gratification.

giving up something for others

Clearly articulates the act of relinquishing something valuable for the benefit of other people.

forsaking personal gain

Highlights the aspect of giving up potential personal benefits or advantages.

compromising oneself

Implies a willingness to compromise one's own principles or comfort for a specific outcome, but it can also carry a slightly negative connotation.

putting others first

Stresses prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above one's own.

altruistic act

Describes an act motivated by selfless concern for others, highlighting the benevolent aspect of sacrifice.

selfless contribution

Highlights the act of contributing to a cause or group without expecting personal reward or recognition.

voluntary hardship

Suggests the acceptance of difficulties or suffering as a result of one's own choice or actions.

unrequited devotion

Emphasizes dedication without reciprocation, focusing on the dedication aspect more than the sacrifice itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal sacrifice" to describe giving up something important for a greater cause, like: "Her success was due to years of "personal sacrifice"." or "He made a "personal sacrifice" to support his family."

What is a good synonym for "personal sacrifice"?

Good synonyms include "self-sacrifice", "self-denial", or "altruistic act". Choose the one that best fits the context of your writing.

Is it always a good thing to make a "personal sacrifice"?

While often seen positively, the value of a "personal sacrifice" depends on the context. It's important to consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs and whether the sacrifice aligns with one's values.

How does "personal sacrifice" differ from "professional sacrifice"?

"Personal sacrifice" refers to giving up something in one's personal life, while "professional sacrifice" refers to giving up something in one's career or work life. For example, someone might make a "personal sacrifice" by spending less time with friends to care for a family member, or a "professional sacrifice" by turning down a promotion to maintain a better work-life balance.