Hello, I'm an expert in linguistics with a focus on English grammar and usage. I'm here to provide you with a detailed explanation about the plural form of the word "person." Let's dive into the nuances of "people" and "persons" and how they are used in the English language.

Is "person" plural?

The word "person" is singular in form, meaning it refers to one individual. However, when we want to talk about more than one individual, we have two common plural forms: "people" and "persons." Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts and carry different connotations.

Usage of "People"

"People" is the more common term and is widely used in everyday language. It is the plural form of "person" that is generally accepted and understood by most English speakers. Here are some examples of how "people" is used:

1. "A group of people gathered in the park for a picnic."
2. "There were only about ten people in the meeting."
3. "Several thousand people have been affected by the natural disaster."

"People" tends to be used in informal and formal contexts alike. It is the go-to term when referring to a collective group of individuals without emphasizing their individuality.

Usage of "Persons"

"Persons" is also a plural form of "person," but it is used less frequently and often in more formal or legal contexts. "Persons" can sometimes imply a focus on the individuality of each member within a group. Here's how "persons" might be used:

1. "The legal agreement applies to all persons involved in the transaction."
2. "The research study surveyed 50 persons regarding their dietary habits."

In legal and formal documents, "persons" is often preferred to maintain a certain level of formality and precision. It can also be used in academic or technical contexts where the focus is on the individual characteristics or rights of each member of a group.

**Choosing Between "People" and "Persons"**

The choice between "people" and "persons" often comes down to the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. For most everyday communication, "people" is the preferred term. However, when precision and formality are required, such as in legal documents or academic research, "persons" might be the more appropriate choice.

It's also worth noting that "persons" can sometimes be used to avoid gender bias, especially in legal contexts where gender neutrality is important.

In conclusion, while both "people" and "persons" can be used as the plural of "person," "people" is the more common and widely accepted term. "Persons," on the other hand, is used in more formal or legal contexts and can imply a focus on the individuality of each member within a group. Understanding when to use each term can help you communicate more effectively and appropriately in different situations.

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The words people and persons can both be used as the plural of person, but they are not used in exactly the same way. People is by far the more common of the two words and is used in most ordinary contexts: "a group of people"; "there were only about ten people"; "several thousand people have been rehoused".Oct 26, 2011read more >>