personally

Everyday

1. Used to give your own opinion: Personally, I prefer cats. tree →
2. Done by you yourself, not by someone else: The head teacher personally thanked us. tree →
3. As a person, not about your job or skill: I don't know him personally. tree →
4. «Take it personally»: to feel hurt as if something was aimed at you. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk «personally» softens an opinion. In stories and news it shows someone did a thing themselves, which makes it special. «Don't take it personally» is said when a rule or comment is not meant as an attack.

Examples

• Personally, I think pizza is better than burgers. tree →
• The author personally signed our books. tree →
• I don't know the mayor personally. tree →
• Don't take it personally — the coach shouts at everyone. tree →
• She personally checked every answer. tree →
• Personally speaking, I'd rather stay in. tree →
• He had often watched them flying across the sea, but he had never expected to get to know one personally. tree →

Note

Spelled with double l: personal + ly. Not the same as «in person» (being there yourself), though close.