For some individuals
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use it to acknowledge different perspectives and avoid sounding like you're speaking for everyone.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to avoid making broad generalizations about people.
- Softens claims to make them sound more objective and less aggressive.
- Perfect for professional feedback or discussing sensitive personal habits.
Signification
This phrase is a polite way to say that something isn't true for everyone. It helps you avoid making big, sweeping generalizations that might sound rude or inaccurate.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing office habits
For some individuals, working in a quiet environment is essential for focus.
For some individuals, working in a quiet environment is essential for focus.
Talking about spicy food
For some individuals, this extra-hot salsa might be a bit much.
For some individuals, this extra-hot salsa might be a bit much.
Formal presentation on health
For some individuals, caffeine can lead to increased anxiety levels.
For some individuals, caffeine can lead to increased anxiety levels.
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on individualism and nuance. It rose to prominence in professional and academic settings to replace broader generalizations that could be seen as biased. It is particularly common in 'PC' (politically correct) culture to ensure inclusivity.
The 'Not All' Rule
Use this phrase whenever you feel like someone might reply with 'Not everyone feels that way!' It beats them to the punch.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid to have an opinion. Use it once or twice per conversation.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to avoid making broad generalizations about people.
- Softens claims to make them sound more objective and less aggressive.
- Perfect for professional feedback or discussing sensitive personal habits.
What It Means
For some individuals is a conversational safety net. It tells your listener that you know people are different. You aren't saying 'everyone likes coffee.' You are saying 'some people' do. It stops you from sounding like a know-it-all. It acknowledges diversity without needing a long list of names. It is the ultimate tool for being precise but gentle.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of your sentence. It sets the stage for your specific observation. You can also drop it at the end to soften a blunt statement. Think of it like a buffer. Use it when you want to highlight a specific habit or preference. It works best when followed by a behavior or a feeling. For example, For some individuals, morning meetings are a nightmare. It sounds much kinder than saying 'People hate morning meetings.'
When To Use It
You should use this in professional settings frequently. It shows you are objective and thoughtful. Use it when discussing sensitive topics like health, money, or lifestyle. It is great for giving feedback without being accusatory. Use it when you are sharing an opinion that might be controversial. It acts as a shield against people who love to say, 'Well, actually, I don't feel that way!'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this when you are talking about yourself. Don't say For some individuals like me. Just say 'For me.' Don't use it for universal truths. Saying For some individuals, the sun is hot sounds very strange. It can also feel too cold or clinical in a very close romantic relationship. If your partner asks if you love them, don't start with For some individuals... unless you want a very long argument.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value 'hedging.' This is the art of not being too direct. We often avoid 'absolute' words like 'always' or 'everyone.' It is a sign of being educated and socially aware. It shows you respect that everyone has a unique experience. It became more popular in corporate culture to avoid offending diverse groups of people.
Common Variations
You might hear For certain people or In some cases. Some people use For a few folks to sound more casual. In academic writing, you might see For a subset of the population. However, For some individuals hits the perfect sweet spot. It is professional but still sounds like a human being wrote it.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits at a C1 level because it requires an understanding of social nuance. Use it to transition from a general fact to a specific observation without sounding biased.
The 'Not All' Rule
Use this phrase whenever you feel like someone might reply with 'Not everyone feels that way!' It beats them to the punch.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like you're afraid to have an opinion. Use it once or twice per conversation.
The Politeness Secret
In English-speaking cultures, being 'too certain' is often seen as aggressive. This phrase makes you seem more approachable and open-minded.
Exemples
6For some individuals, working in a quiet environment is essential for focus.
For some individuals, working in a quiet environment is essential for focus.
Softens the claim about office needs.
For some individuals, this extra-hot salsa might be a bit much.
For some individuals, this extra-hot salsa might be a bit much.
A polite warning without insulting the chef.
For some individuals, caffeine can lead to increased anxiety levels.
For some individuals, caffeine can lead to increased anxiety levels.
Adds scientific nuance to a health claim.
For some individuals, a 9 PM start time is way too late!
For some individuals, a 9 PM start time is way too late!
A humorous way to complain about being tired.
For some individuals, 'reading the manual' is just a suggestion.
For some individuals, 'reading the manual' is just a suggestion.
A witty way to describe people who ignore instructions.
For some individuals, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time.
For some individuals, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time.
Shows deep empathy and social awareness.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to make this statement sound less aggressive.
___, social media does more harm than good.
Using 'For some individuals' acknowledges that social media affects everyone differently.
Complete the sentence to sound professional in a meeting.
___, the new software might have a steep learning curve.
This suggests that while some might find it hard, others might find it easy, which is a balanced view.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Personal Generalizations
Used with friends.
Some folks...
Safe for any situation.
For some individuals...
Used in research or law.
For certain specific parties...
Where to use 'For some individuals'
Giving Feedback
It might be hard to hear.
Health Advice
Dietary needs vary.
Social Commentary
Discussing trends.
Workplace Policy
Flexible hours.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it is slightly more formal and respectful. Using individuals sounds more professional than people in a work setting.
Absolutely! It is a great way to show you have considered different variables in your argument. For example, For some individuals, economic incentives are not enough.
Yes, especially if you are discussing a serious topic. It keeps the conversation from becoming an argument about who is right.
No, that sounds very strange. You must use the plural individuals because you are referring to a group of people.
It's very similar, but certain sounds a bit more mysterious or specific. Some is more common and natural.
It can sound a bit clinical if used in a very emotional moment. If a friend is crying, don't say For some individuals, crying helps. Just say 'It's okay to cry.'
Usually at the very beginning. For example: For some individuals, change is exciting.
Both are okay, but For is much more common when talking about how something affects someone. To is used more for opinions, like To some individuals, this looks like art.
The biggest mistake is using it for things that are objectively true for everyone. Don't say For some individuals, oxygen is necessary.
It is used equally in both! It is a standard part of Global English in professional environments.
Expressions liées
In some cases
Used when a situation (rather than a person) is the focus.
For certain people
A slightly more specific version of 'for some individuals'.
Depending on the person
Focuses on the variability of human reactions.
To a certain extent
Used to say that something is only partly true.
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