What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
personally
Example
I personally think that the movie was great. [personally: adverb]
Example
I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, I prefer tea over coffee. [personally: adverb]
privately
Example
Can we talk privately for a moment? [privately: adverb]
Example
The company's financial information is kept privately among the executives. [privately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Personally is more commonly used than privately in everyday language. Personally is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while privately is less common and often implies confidentiality or secrecy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between personally and privately?
Both personally and privately can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but privately may be more formal due to its association with confidentiality and secrecy.
