private matters

USAGE SUMMARY

"private matters" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to topics or issues that are of a personal or confidential nature. For example, you might say, "We won't discuss private matters in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said that "private matters should be dealt with privately".

BBC

He refused to answer questions about the allegations, saying "private matters should be dealt with privately".

BBC

These are hardly private matters).

The Guardian - Opinion

These are not private matters".

The Guardian

"When will military vehicles stop being used for private matters?

The New York Times

"It's simply that they kept private matters to themselves".

The New Yorker

I don't like to talk about private matters.

The Guardian - Sport

Everton and Arsenal said their players' investments were private matters.

The Guardian

Instead, weddings would become like many other important ceremonies from graduations to funerals: private matters.

The New York Times

But I have a principle that private matters are dealt with in private.

Independent

Sex and gender identities are deeply personal, private matters, and are hard to investigate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "private matters"; it's suitable for formal and informal settings where sensitivity is required.

Common error

Avoid using "private matters" excessively in very formal or academic writing. More precise terms might be appropriate depending on the specific field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private matters" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig showcases its role in referring to personal, confidential, or sensitive issues that are typically not discussed publicly. It acts as a subject or object within sentences to denote topics of a personal nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "private matters" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to personal, confidential, or sensitive issues. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business settings. The phrase serves to indicate discretion and confidentiality, signaling that a topic is not for public discussion. While grammatically correct, be mindful of overuse in overly formal contexts and consider more precise alternatives when necessary. The examples confirm the phrase is a stable linguistic construct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal affairs

Focuses on the personal aspect, emphasizing individual concerns or activities.

confidential issues

Highlights the secrecy and sensitivity of the topics being discussed.

sensitive subjects

Emphasizes the delicate nature of the topics, suggesting they require careful handling.

internal affairs

Indicates that the matters are within a specific group or organization and not meant for public knowledge.

domestic issues

Refers to problems or concerns within a household or family.

personal business

Suggests that the matters are related to someone's individual dealings or responsibilities.

private concerns

Highlights the worry or anxiety associated with personal matters.

family secrets

Focuses on information that is kept hidden within a family.

insider information

Implies that the matters are known only to a select few.

unspoken issues

Suggests that the matters are not openly discussed, often due to discomfort or taboo.

FAQs

How can I use "private matters" in a sentence?

You can use "private matters" to refer to personal or confidential issues that should not be discussed publicly. For example, "The politician refused to comment, stating that these were "private matters"."

What are some alternatives to saying "private matters"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "personal affairs", "confidential issues", or "sensitive subjects".

Is it appropriate to discuss "private matters" in a professional setting?

Generally, it's best to avoid discussing "private matters" in a professional setting unless it's directly relevant to the work or if you have a close relationship with the person you're speaking to.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "private matters"?

It is appropriate when you want to indicate that a topic is confidential, personal, and not meant for public discussion. For example, when someone is unwilling to share personal information.