What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonpersonal
Example
The report contained nonpersonal data and statistics. [nonpersonal: adjective]
Example
The company policy is to keep all nonpersonal information confidential. [nonpersonal: adjective]
impersonal
Example
The email response from customer service was very impersonal and unhelpful. [impersonal: adjective]
Example
The lecture was delivered in an impersonal manner, without any attempt to engage the audience. [impersonal: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nonpersonal is less common than impersonal in everyday language and is typically used in technical or professional contexts. Impersonal is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonpersonal and impersonal?
Both nonpersonal and impersonal are considered formal language and are appropriate for use in professional or academic settings.
