Understanding the Correct Usage of Personnel

The question asks to identify the sentence where the underlined word "personnel" is used correctly. It's important to distinguish between the words "personnel" and "personal," as they have different meanings and uses.

Definition of Personnel and Personal

• Personnel (spelled with 'e' at the end): This word refers to the people employed in an organization or engaged in a particular kind of work. It is a collective noun, meaning it refers to a group of people, and is typically used in the plural sense. For example, "The company has a large personnel department."
• Personal (spelled with 'a' at the end): This word is an adjective that means relating to or affecting a particular person, or belonging to someone. It signifies something private or individual. For example, "She keeps her thoughts personal."

Analysis of Each Option

Let's examine each sentence to see how "personnel" is used:

• 1. The industrialist had a personnel jet.

  Explanation: This usage is incorrect. A jet belonging to an individual is a "personal jet" or a "private jet". The word "personnel" refers to people (staff), not possessions.

• 2. I write my experience in my personnel diary.

  Explanation: This is also incorrect. A diary that belongs to someone is a "personal diary". "Personnel" does not fit this context.

• 3. All personnel are being given the day off.

  Explanation: This sentence uses "personnel" correctly. It refers to all the staff members or employees of an organization who are being granted a day off.

• 4. Being religious is a personnel aspect.

  Explanation: This usage is incorrect. An aspect related to an individual's private life, such as being religious, is a "personal aspect". "Personnel" relates to staff, not individual characteristics.

Conclusion on Correct Usage

Based on the analysis, the word "personnel" is used correctly only in the third statement, where it refers to the employees of an organization.