As a linguistic expert with a profound understanding of the English language, I am well-equipped to delve into the intricacies of its grammar and usage. The term "people" is a fascinating subject in English grammar, as it can function both as a singular and a plural noun, depending on the context in which it is used.

In its plural sense, "people" is used to refer to more than one person. It is a plural count noun and requires a plural verb. For example, when we say "People are gathered in the park," we are indicating that there are multiple individuals present. This usage is quite common and reflects the collective nature of the noun.

However, "people" also has a singular sense, which is less frequently recognized but equally valid. In this context, "people" is used to refer to a group as a whole, often implying a sense of unity or a single entity composed of many individuals. For example, in the sentence "The people of this country are known for their hospitality," "people" is treated as a singular entity, and thus, the verb "are" is not used; instead, a singular verb like "is" would be more appropriate if we were strictly adhering to grammatical rules. But it's important to note that this strict adherence is often relaxed in everyday speech and writing.

The distinction between the singular and plural usage of "people" can be subtle and is influenced by the intended meaning of the speaker or writer. While "persons" is the direct plural form of "person," it is less commonly used and often sounds more formal or legalistic. In everyday language, "people" serves well as both the singular and plural form, and its usage is largely determined by the context and the speaker's intention.

In summary, the noun "people" is versatile and can be used in both singular and plural senses, with the choice often guided by the context and the desired emphasis on the collective or individual nature of the group being referred to.

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The noun people has both a PLURAL sense and a SINGULAR sense. In the PLURAL sense, people is used as the plural of person very frequently. It is a plural count noun and takes a plural verb. ... However, "persons" is not appropriate for Sentences (b) and (c).read more >>