personal things

USAGE SUMMARY

"personal things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to items that belong to a specific person or items that are unique to an individual. For example: "We don't need to buy new supplies for the office; there are plenty of personal things in the drawers that we can use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The word "confide," which means to tell a trusted person about personal things, was used.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Do not share personal things with this person.

WikiHow

Personal things.

The Guardian - Sport

What sort of personal things?

The New Yorker

We haven't gone after the personal things.

The New York Times

Why do they put personal things online?

The Guardian - Opinion

"These aren't personal things," the mayor said.

The New York Times

We don't talk about deeply personal things".

The New York Times

"I don't talk about those personal things".

The Guardian - Film

"We don't talk about personal things".

The New Yorker

But just the personal things are —.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics, use "personal things" to avoid being overly specific, maintaining a level of discretion and respect for privacy.

Common error

Avoid discussing overly "personal things" at work to maintain professional boundaries and prevent discomfort among colleagues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal things" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it referring to belongings, information, or matters that are private or specific to an individual. The phrase acts as a general term to encompass various aspects of an individual's private life or possessions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal things" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for referring to an individual's private belongings, information, or matters. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts make it a reliable choice. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its formality. When using this phrase, remember to prioritize clarity and sensitivity, especially in professional settings. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "private matters" or "personal belongings" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

private matters

Focuses on the confidential aspect, implying information not meant for public knowledge.

personal belongings

Emphasizes tangible items owned by an individual.

private affairs

Highlights sensitive aspects of one's life, often related to relationships or secrets.

individual concerns

Shifts the focus to worries or issues specific to a person.

intimate details

Stresses the deep and private nature of the information being shared.

personal effects

Refers to items carried or worn by a person.

confidential information

Highlights the secrecy and sensitivity of the data.

private possessions

Emphasizes ownership and the private nature of the items.

personal secrets

Underscores hidden or undisclosed aspects of someone's life.

peculiar habits

It refers to individual and unique habits.

FAQs

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

You might say, "I keep my "personal things" in a locked drawer at work" or "She doesn't share her "personal things" with just anyone."

What are some alternatives to saying "personal things"?

Depending on the context, you could use "private matters", "personal belongings", or "confidential information".

Is it appropriate to ask about someone's "personal things"?

It depends on your relationship with the person. Generally, it's best to avoid asking about "personal things" unless they offer the information or you have a close and trusting relationship.

What's the difference between "personal things" and "private affairs"?

"Personal things" is a more general term, while "private affairs" often refers to more sensitive or intimate aspects of someone's life.