Persons vs People: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each One?
As English speakers, we often use the words “persons” and “people” interchangeably, but in reality, they have slightly different meanings and usage. Understanding the difference can help us communicate more effectively in both spoken and written forms.
Introduction
When we speak about individuals collectively, we often use the word “people.” However, in certain contexts, such as legal or formal writing, “persons” might be a more appropriate choice. This blog post will break down the nuances between these two terms and provide guidance on when to use each one correctly.
What is the Difference?
The main difference between “persons” and “people” is that “persons” refers to individuals, while “people” refers to a group of individuals. For example, if you’re counting the number of people in a room, you would say “There are 50 people in this room.” However, if you’re talking about the number of individuals going to an event, you would say “There are 50 persons attending the event.”
Another difference is the formality of the words. “Persons” is often used in legal or formal contexts, whereas “people” is more commonly used in casual conversation or informal writing.
When to Use “Persons”
As mentioned above, “persons” is often used in legal or formal contexts. For example, in a legal document, you might see the phrase “all persons involved in the accident” instead of “all people involved in the accident.” The word “persons” gives a sense of formality and legal authority to the document.
Additionally, “persons” can be used when referring to a specific, identifiable group of individuals. For example, if you’re discussing a group of athletes who have been disqualified from a competition, you might say “These persons have been disqualified from the competition” instead of “These people have been disqualified from the competition.”
When to Use “People”
In everyday conversation and informal writing, “people” is the more common choice. It’s also appropriate to use “people” to refer to a group of individuals in formal writing, if the formality is not a crucial element. For example, in a news article, you might see the phrase “The people of the city protested against the new law.”
“People” is also used when the exact number of individuals is unknown or unimportant. For example, if you’re talking about a crowded concert, you might say “There were so many people there” instead of “There were so many persons there.”
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between “persons” and “people” depends on the context and level of formality. “Persons” is the appropriate choice in legal or formal writing, or when referring to a specific, identifiable group of individuals. “People” is the more common and casual choice, appropriate in everyday conversation and informal writing, or when referring to a group without exact numbers. By understanding the nuances between these two terms, you can communicate more effectively in any situation.
