too personal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "too personal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is overly intimate or revealing, often in a context where such information is deemed inappropriate or uncomfortable. Example: "I felt that his questions were too personal for a first meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

* Personalize but don't get too personal.

Los Angeles Times

Too personal.

The New York Times

It's too personal.

The New Yorker

Too personal to say.

The Guardian

It's too personal.

The Guardian - Music

Too personal, too intimate".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Too personal, man".

The Guardian - Music

Otherwise, it's too personal.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm sorry, that's too personal.

The New York Times

He said it was too personal.

The New York Times

Question: This may be too personal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving gifts to colleagues, consider their personal preferences, but avoid items that are "too personal", such as clothing or intimate accessories.

Common error

Avoid divulging details that are "too personal" in workplace conversations, as it can create discomfort or damage professional relationships. Stick to neutral topics during breaks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too personal" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is excessively intimate, private, or inappropriate for a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "too personal" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something overly intimate or intrusive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides ample examples across diverse sources. Usage is prevalent in news and media, where sensitivity and boundary awareness are crucial. While universally understood, it's vital to use "too personal" judiciously, respecting individual boundaries and maintaining appropriate conversational distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overly intimate

Focuses on the level of closeness being excessive.

excessively private

Highlights the intrusion into someone's privacy.

inappropriately revealing

Emphasizes the inappropriateness of the information being disclosed.

unduly familiar

Suggests an unwarranted level of closeness or informality.

unacceptably intrusive

Highlights the invasive nature of the question or action.

trespassing boundaries

Implies the crossing of established personal limits.

crossing the line

Indicates a transgression of acceptable behavior.

out of bounds

Suggests a subject or question is forbidden or off-limits.

rather sensitive

Highlights that the subject should be treated with care.

a bit invasive

Focuses on the characteristic of an intrusive topic or action.

FAQs

How can I tell if a question is "too personal"?

A question might be considered "too personal" if it delves into someone's intimate life, financial situation, health status, or any other area they might reasonably consider private. Always consider your relationship with the person and the context of the conversation.

What are some situations where a question might be "too personal"?

Asking about someone's salary on a first date, probing into their relationship history during a job interview, or commenting on someone's physical appearance without invitation could all be considered "too personal".

What can I say instead of "that's too personal" if someone asks me something I don't want to answer?

You can politely decline to answer by saying something like, "I'd rather not say", "I'm not comfortable discussing that", or "That's a bit "rather sensitive" for me".

How do I avoid asking questions that are "too personal" in a professional context?

Stick to work-related topics or general interests. Avoid inquiries about someone's family life, personal finances, or health. Focus on building rapport through shared experiences and professional goals.