Personal vs Personable: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Personal" means relating to an individual, while "personable" is used to describe someone who has a pleasant or likable personality.
Memory Tip: personal = private self, personable = pleasing presence
personal has three syllables, personable has four syllables
personal /ˈpɜrsənl/
adjectiveBelonging to or affecting a particular person.
Example:
While the speaker's presentation was highly informative, it was the personal anecdotes that truly resonated with the audience, providing a deeper insight into the topic.
Common patterns:
personal things
personal space
personable /ˈpɜːsənəbl/
adjectiveHaving a pleasant and attractive appearance and manner.
Example:
Despite the technical nature of his presentation, Jacob's personable demeanor engaged the audience, making the complex subject matter more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Common patterns:
personable demeanor
personable appearance
personable nature
Common Mistakes
She shared a personable story about her childhood.
She shared a personal story about her childhood.
The story relates to her own life, so 'personal' is the correct word.
He's very personal and makes friends easily.
He's very personable and makes friends easily.
His ability to make friends easily is due to his likable personality, so 'personable' is the correct word.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. While the speaker's presentation was highly informative, it was the ____ anecdotes that truly resonated with the audience, providing a deeper insight into the topic.
2. Despite the technical nature of his presentation, Jacob's ____ demeanor engaged the audience, making the complex subject matter more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Other Confusing Words
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