When it comes to discussing sensitive information, it’s important to understand the difference between personal and private. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can affect how we communicate and protect our personal information.
So, which of the two is the proper word? The answer is that both personal and private can be appropriate, depending on the context. Generally, personal refers to things that relate to an individual’s identity or feelings, while private refers to things that are not meant for public knowledge or access.
More specifically, personal means relating to or affecting a particular person, especially in a private or emotional way. For example, personal experiences, personal relationships, personal beliefs. On the other hand, private means belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only; not for public knowledge or disclosure. For example, private property, private conversations, private data.
Understanding the difference between personal and private is crucial in maintaining appropriate boundaries and protecting our personal information. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two terms and how they apply in various contexts.
Define Personal
Personal refers to something that is related to one’s own individuality, character, or feelings. It is subjective and varies from person to person. Personal information can include details about one’s life, experiences, interests, and opinions. This information is usually shared voluntarily and can be used to create a connection or establish a relationship with others.
Define Private
Private, on the other hand, refers to something that is not meant to be shared with others. It is confidential and reserved for a select few. Private information can include sensitive details such as financial information, medical records, and personal identification information. This information is usually protected by law and should not be disclosed without proper authorization.
It is important to note that personal and private information are not mutually exclusive. Personal information can become private if it is not meant to be shared with others. Similarly, private information can become personal if it is shared voluntarily with others.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the words “personal” and “private” interchangeably is a common mistake. While they are related, they have distinct meanings that should be used appropriately. Here’s how to use each word in a sentence correctly:
How To Use “Personal” In A Sentence
The word “personal” refers to things that are related to a specific person. Here are some examples of how to use “personal” in a sentence:
- My personal opinion is that we should invest in renewable energy.
- She shared some personal details about her life with me.
- I take personal responsibility for the success of this project.
As you can see, the word “personal” is often used to describe opinions, details, or responsibility that belong to a specific individual.
How To Use “Private” In A Sentence
The word “private” refers to things that are not meant to be shared with others. Here are some examples of how to use “private” in a sentence:
- He keeps his personal life private.
- I need to have a private conversation with you.
- That information is private and confidential.
As you can see, the word “private” is often used to describe things that are confidential or not meant to be shared with others.
By understanding the difference between “personal” and “private,” you can use these words appropriately in your writing and communication.
More Examples Of Personal & Private Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between personal and private, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Personal In A Sentence
- My personal opinion is that we should invest in renewable energy.
- He shared some personal stories about his childhood.
- She has a personal connection to the cause.
- It’s important to keep your personal life separate from your professional life.
- There are some personal items I’d like to keep in storage.
- He takes his personal fitness very seriously.
- She made a personal commitment to volunteer at the animal shelter every week.
- My personal style is minimalist and modern.
- He wrote a personal letter to express his gratitude.
- She has a personal goal to run a marathon next year.
Examples Of Using Private In A Sentence
- He keeps his private life very private.
- She has a private office where she can work without interruptions.
- They had a private conversation in the corner of the room.
- It’s important to respect people’s private property.
- She has a private account for her personal finances.
- He requested a private meeting with his boss.
- She values her private time and enjoys reading alone.
- They held a private ceremony for their wedding.
- He has a private security detail to protect him.
- She keeps her private thoughts and feelings to herself.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to discussing personal and private matters, people often use these terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Personal And Private As Synonyms
Personal and private are not synonyms. Personal refers to things that are related to a particular person, such as their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Private, on the other hand, refers to things that are not for public knowledge or access, such as confidential information or personal space.
For example, a person’s medical history is personal information, but it is also private information that should not be shared without their consent. Using personal and private interchangeably can lead to breaches of privacy and trust.
2. Assuming That Something Is Private Just Because It Is Personal
Just because something is personal does not mean that it is private. For example, a person’s social media posts may be personal, but they are often public and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
It is important to be aware of the context in which personal information is being shared and to take appropriate measures to protect one’s privacy when necessary.
3. Sharing Personal Information Without Considering The Consequences
Sharing personal information can be a way to build trust and strengthen relationships, but it can also have negative consequences if not done carefully. For example, sharing personal information with someone who is not trustworthy or who has a history of gossiping can lead to rumors and embarrassment.
It is important to consider the potential consequences of sharing personal information and to only share what is necessary and appropriate in a given situation.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
- Take the time to understand the difference between personal and private
- Think carefully before sharing personal information
- Consider the context in which personal information is being shared
- Only share personal information with people you trust
- Take appropriate measures to protect your privacy when necessary
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between personal and private, context is key. The decision of which to use can vary depending on the situation and the audience.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Consider the following scenarios:
| Context | Choice between Personal and Private |
|---|---|
| Professional Environment | Private |
| Social Media | Personal |
| Intimate Relationships | Personal |
| Medical Information | Private |
In a professional environment, it is generally best to keep personal information private. This includes details about your personal life, such as your family, hobbies, and political views. Sharing too much personal information can be seen as unprofessional and may even damage your reputation.
On the other hand, social media is a platform where personal information is often shared. People use social media to connect with others and share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. In this context, it is appropriate to share personal information such as your interests, travel experiences, and favorite books.
In intimate relationships, personal information is often shared as a way to build trust and deepen the connection between partners. This can include details about your past, your fears, and your hopes for the future.
When it comes to medical information, it is important to keep this private in order to protect your personal health information (PHI). This includes information about your medical history, treatments, and diagnoses. Sharing this information without your consent is a violation of your privacy rights.
In summary, the choice between personal and private depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the audience and the situation before deciding what information to share.
Exceptions To The Rules
While it is generally advisable to keep personal and private information separate, there are certain exceptions where this rule may not apply. In such cases, it is important to exercise discretion and consider the potential consequences of sharing sensitive information.
Exceptions For Personal Information
There are certain situations where sharing personal information may be necessary or even beneficial:
- Networking: When attending professional events, sharing personal information such as hobbies and interests can help establish common ground and build relationships.
- Job Interviews: Providing personal information such as your background and interests can help demonstrate your personality and fit for the role.
- Medical Emergencies: In the case of a medical emergency, sharing personal information such as allergies and medical history can be crucial for receiving appropriate care.
Exceptions For Private Information
While private information should generally be kept confidential, there are certain exceptions where sharing may be necessary or appropriate:
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Obligation | When required by law, private information may need to be disclosed. | Disclosing financial records during a tax audit. |
| Consent | When given explicit consent, private information may be shared. | Sharing medical information with a family member who has power of attorney. |
| Protection of Others | When necessary to protect the safety or well-being of others, private information may be shared. | Reporting a coworker’s violent behavior to HR. |
It is important to note that even in these exceptions, discretion should be exercised and only necessary information should be shared.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between personal and private, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that can help improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:
Exercise 1:
Identify whether the following sentences use “personal” or “private” correctly:
| Sentence | Correct Answer |
|---|---|
| My diary is very private. | Private |
| I love to share personal stories with my friends. | Personal |
| It’s important to keep your personal information safe. | Personal |
| My phone number is private and I don’t give it out to just anyone. | Private |
Exercise 2:
Fill in the blank with either “personal” or “private” to complete the sentence:
- I don’t like to share my ____________ thoughts with strangers.
- My bank account information is ____________.
- It’s important to have a ____________ space where you can relax and unwind.
- Some people find it difficult to talk about their ____________ problems.
- My email address is ____________ and I only give it out to friends and family.
Answer Key:
- Personal
- Private
- Personal
- Personal
- Private
By practicing with exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of personal and private in sentences. Remember to always consider the context and connotations of each word before using them.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between personal and private, it is clear that these terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Personal refers to an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions, while private pertains to information or actions that are kept secret or restricted to a select group.
It is important to understand the difference between these two terms to effectively communicate and maintain boundaries in personal and professional relationships. By using language with intention and precision, individuals can avoid misunderstandings and respect each other’s privacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal refers to an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
- Private pertains to information or actions that are kept secret or restricted to a select group.
- Understanding the difference between personal and private is crucial for effective communication and boundary-setting.
Ultimately, continuing to learn and improve one’s grammar and language use is essential for clear and effective communication. By striving for clarity and precision in our language, we can better express ourselves and connect with others.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.