Is it possible to use the word persons for the plural of person?
Hello everybody,
I have been told that the only plural form for the noun 'person' is people, always followed by a plural form verb.
However, sometimes I have seen the term 'persons' so I would like to know if there are some circumstances where we can use that term.
Could you give your opinion about these sentences:
- You are one of the most analytical person I have ever known.
- You are one of the most analytical persons I have ever known.
- You are one of the most anaytical people I have ever known.
Thank you all.
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Answers · 7
4
the first two sentences are wrong. The third is correct. As for the question of whether you can use 'persons' as the plural of person - in every day speech, no, you wouldn't use it. You do see it written from time to time, often in vaguely legal, or at least official contexts. Eg. Maximum occupancy, 20 persons; only persons with a valid ticket will be permitted entry, etc.
1
The word "persons" is very rare. It's only used in legal contexts. It's rare enough that I personally had never seen it before coming to italki, and I've also seen other native speakers think it's the funny mistranslation.
0
Well, I don't think the term "persons" is correct. We should always use "people" :)
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