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Natalia Jueva
Can we use the word "PERSON" in the plural form "PERSONS"? Or should we say only "PEOPLE"?
Jan 4, 2014 6:08 PM
Answers · 9
3
Hello. Person can be used in the plural. It is used in legal documents and warning signs. For example: "No more than 5 persons allowed in the elevator/lift." Some people have a habit of saying 'persons' where most of us would say "people". It's not wrong. But it does sound too formal or a bit strange to most of us. I read a book last month where the author kept saying, "persons," and I found it most irritating!
January 4, 2014
1
according to all the teachers i've had the word PERSON can't be used in plural as PERSONS. The correct would be People. hope this could help you, best luck to you.
January 4, 2014
1
Persons is used when a specific amount is important or they are important for their individual nature. If you know Spanish think of the difference between gente and personas.
January 5, 2014
1
In reality, it's pretty rare that you'd need to say "persons". We use "persons" to mean "individuals". In general use, we use "people" to mean more than one person.
January 4, 2014
Persons is grammatically correct. Used way less often (in SAE) & considered very formal, but correct nontheless.
January 5, 2014
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