to be personal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be personal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone is expressing their own opinions or feelings, rather than speaking on behalf of a larger group or organization. For example, you could say: "I'd like to take this opportunity to be personal and say how proud I am of my daughter's accomplishments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3. Give feedback in person: Feedback needs to be personal to be authentic.

Forbes

Contacts ceased to be personal.

Independent

"It's going to be personal.

The New York Times

They had to be personal.

The New York Times

"I want it to be personal".

The New York Times

"Like perfume, it has to be personal".

The New York Times

Some feelings have to be personal.

The Guardian

But they need to be personal first.

Harvard University

"It does not have to be personal," he said.

The New York Times

Some of the expenses appeared to be personal in nature.

The New York Times - Sports

For Marty Ritt, this movie was going to be personal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for authenticity in communication, use the phrase "to be personal" to emphasize a direct connection with your own experiences and feelings.

Common error

Be mindful of context. While being personal can build trust, ensure the level of personal detail is appropriate for the setting and audience. Over-sharing can be perceived as unprofessional or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be personal" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys expressing one's own opinions or feelings, rather than speaking on behalf of a larger group. It often modifies a verb or noun, indicating the desired quality or intention behind an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be personal" is a versatile phrase used to convey authenticity and individual connection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki articles, with its purpose ranging from expressing sincerity to adding a human touch. When using this phrase, remember to balance personal expression with contextual appropriateness, avoiding over-sharing in professional settings. Consider alternatives like "to be intimate" or "to be individual" to refine your intended meaning. Remember that the phrase indicates that someone is expressing their own opinions or feelings, rather than speaking on behalf of a larger group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become personal

Focuses on the process of something transitioning into a personal matter.

to be individual

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinct nature of something.

to be intimate

Highlights the close and private nature of something.

to personalize

Implies modifying something to suit individual preferences.

to be customized

Indicates tailoring something to specific individual needs.

to be private

Focuses on the confidential and non-public nature of something.

to be first-hand

Implies direct and personal experience.

to own private

Indicates ownership of private assets.

to be subjective

Emphasizes that something is based on personal feelings or opinions.

to be tailored

Highlights that something has been adjusted to meet specific individual requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "to be personal" effectively in a sentence?

Use "to be personal" to indicate a direct connection to your own experiences or feelings. For example, "I want my remarks "to be personal", reflecting my own journey."

What are some alternatives to "to be personal"?

You can use alternatives like "to be intimate", "to be individual", or "to personalize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "to be personal"?

It's appropriate in contexts where authenticity and direct connection are valued, such as heartfelt speeches, intimate conversations, or when sharing individual experiences. However, it should be used judiciously in professional settings to avoid over-sharing.

How does "to be personal" differ from "to be professional"?

"To be personal" emphasizes individual experiences and feelings, while "to be professional" focuses on competence, objectivity, and adherence to established standards. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.