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What is the difference between 'persons' and 'people'?
Is the word persons exist in english?
when I knew the word person "person"==== I understood that is the singuler of "people", but I have saw some examples with "persons" and I'm not sure.
would somebody can explain this please.
Nov 1, 2014 11:24 AM
Answers · 10
3
"Persons" is only really used in formal written English. Even then, it is usually best avoided.
Here's an example of the sort of document where you'd expect to find it in use:
http://www.nelsoncountyserviceauthority.com/images/meetingcodeofbehavior.pdf
November 1, 2014
3
"Persons" => old-fashioned plural of person :)
November 1, 2014
2
DOES the word "persons" exist in English?
Technically yes, but only in the context of "individuals". The regular plural of "person" is "people", and it's very rare for a native speaker to use "persons".
Using "persons" as the general plural of "person" is a common learner mistake. Try to avoid it.
November 1, 2014
2
"person" is one individual, and "persons" is the plural form.
"people" is for a group of persons and "peoples" is the plural form.
"people" is used in everyday speech for "persons" and "peoples", with those two words being quite formal.
November 1, 2014
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Boubouja
Language Skills
Arabic (Maghrebi), English
Learning Language
English
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