private

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "private" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intended for or restricted to a particular person or group, often in contexts related to confidentiality or personal matters. Example: "She prefers to keep her private life separate from her professional life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They'll never know what it means to have a private moment to themselves an unrecorded, unanalysed thought.

The Guardian

Forbes ranks it as the second-largest private company in the country, after Cargill, and its consistent profitability has made David and Charles Koch—who, years ago, bought out two other brothers—among the richest men in America.

The Economist

Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, said her organisation "would have put the reduction of poverty as the first benchmark" in the revamped aid program and was "cautious" about the role of the private sector.

The Guardian

But, as a private company – just like a comedian mulling over a rape joke, or a troll looking for a target for his anger – it could choose not to.

The Guardian

All correspondence should reach us by Tuesday morning: email private[email protected] (please don't send attachments) or write to Private Lives, The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their political support no longer depends on analogizing them to private insurance.

The Economist

Whether or not the EPA's own surveys can be trusted, the move by Republicans to denounce water regulation and pitch it as the enemy of the foundational American ideal of private property might not be a slam-dunk for the American right – even among their core supporters.

The Guardian

Burrowes will vote against the second reading without jeopardising his position as parliamentary private secretary.

The Guardian

18.7 million, or 90%, of people in forced labour are part of the private economy, exploited by individuals or enterprises.

The Guardian

That was the year when Fatimid invaders began to build a grand enclosure to house their new mosques and palaces – a private city known to its residents as al-Qahera, and eventually to the world as Cairo.

The Guardian

Casa Luisa is a private home with two bedrooms to let for $55 a night B&B ([email protected]).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "private" to denote exclusivity and ownership. Always ensure clarity on what is protected or not accessible to all in a given context.

Common error

Avoid using "private" when you mean "personal" in contexts where confidentiality isn't the primary concern. "Personal thoughts" is usually more appropriate than "private thoughts" when referring to inner reflections.

Linguistic Context

The word "private" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something belongs to, concerns, or is accessible only to a particular individual or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "private" is a versatile adjective frequently used to denote exclusivity, restriction, and confidentiality. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples confirms its correct grammatical usage and broad application across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal settings. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "personal" or "confidential", "private" carries a unique emphasis on restricted access. It's important to consider these nuances to ensure precise communication. By avoiding common errors, such as misusing "private" when "personal" is more appropriate, writers can leverage the full potential of this word in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal

Emphasizes belonging to a specific person, rather than secrecy or seclusion.

confidential

Highlights the aspect of secrecy and restricted access to information.

secluded

Focuses on being sheltered or isolated from public view or disturbance.

restricted

Indicates limited access or availability to a select group.

unofficial

Suggests not being formally recognized or sanctioned.

exclusive

Implies a privileged or select status, often with limited availability.

non-public

Directly contrasts with information or access available to the general public.

secret

Emphasizes concealment and intentional withholding of information.

intimate

Suggests a close, personal relationship or setting.

backstage

Refers to things not intended for public viewing or consumption.

FAQs

How can I use "private" in a sentence?

You can use "private" to describe something that is intended for or restricted to a particular person or group. For instance, "This is a "private conversation"", or "The company is a "private corporation"".

What can I say instead of "private"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "personal", "confidential", or "exclusive".

Which is correct, "private" or "personal"?

Both "private" and "personal" can be correct, but they have different nuances. "Private" suggests something is meant to be kept secret or is restricted, while "personal" simply means it relates to an individual.

What's the difference between "private" and "secret"?

"Private" indicates something is meant for a specific individual or group, whereas "secret" suggests something is intentionally concealed from everyone else.