personal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is private or specific to an individual, often in a context where personal feelings or experiences are involved. Example: "I can't share that information; it's a personal thing for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a personal thing.

Independent

It's such a personal thing.

The New York Times

"It was a personal thing".

The New York Times

Shaving is a personal thing.

Independent

"It's a deeply personal thing.

The New York Times

"A portrait is a very personal thing".

The New York Times

"It's a personal thing," she said.

The New Yorker

This is really their personal thing".

The New York Times - Arts

My belief is an intensely personal thing.

The New York Times

A campaign is a personal thing.

The New Yorker

"It's a personal thing for me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal thing" when you want to indicate that something is specific to an individual and not meant for general discussion or judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "personal thing" dismissively to shut down conversations or avoid explaining your reasoning. Provide context or be open to discussion where appropriate to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that is specific to an individual and often private or based on personal preference, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal thing" is a common phrase used to describe something private, individual, or based on personal preference. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and used across a range of contexts, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding dismissive. Consider alternatives like "private matter" or "individual concern" to fine-tune your meaning. This phrase is suitable for neutral registers and is readily understood in diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private matter

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect.

personal matter

Similar meaning, focusing on the individual's concern.

something deeply personal

Emphasizes the emotional and private nature.

individual concern

Highlights the focus on a single person's issue.

matter of personal taste

Emphasizes subjective preference.

intimate issue

Highlights the sensitive and private nature.

private affair

Stresses the confidential nature of the issue.

personal preference

Highlights the aspect of individual choice.

internal affair

Refers to something concerning just an individual.

private business

Highlights the confidentiality and individual control.

FAQs

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

You can use "personal thing" to indicate that something is private or specific to an individual. For example: "Choosing a career path is a "personal thing"." or "My religious beliefs are a "personal thing"."

What can I say instead of "personal thing"?

You can use alternatives like "private matter", "individual concern", or "matter of personal taste" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it's a personal thing for me"?

Yes, "it's a personal thing for me" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize that something is particularly relevant or important to the speaker on a personal level.

When is it appropriate to use "personal thing" in a conversation?

It's appropriate to use "personal thing" when you want to convey that something is private, subjective, or based on individual preference. Be mindful of the context and audience to avoid appearing dismissive or secretive.