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Pucca Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
Persons/People
0 Hello everybody!:) 02 br
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00 Would you mind telling me the differences between "persons" and "people"? The only thing I know, if I am not wrong again, is that they are both in plural. But how are they used? 02 br
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00 Thanks in advance for your help! 0-
02 br
00 Would you mind telling me the differences between "persons" and "people"? The only thing I know, if I am not wrong again, is that they are both in plural. But how are they used? 02 br
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00 Thanks in advance for your help! 0-
Top answer
02 br 02 br 00 Best wishes, Clive 0-
- 02 br 02 br 00 Best wishes, Clive 0-
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20 Answers
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0 Hi. 02 br
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00 Generally speaking, the word 'people' is used much, much more often than the word 'persons'. 02 br
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00 Best wishes, Clive 0-
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00 Generally speaking, the word 'people' is used much, much more often than the word 'persons'. 02 br
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00 Best wishes, Clive 0-
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0 Thanks Clive and CalifJim!:) 02 br
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00 ..but does that mean that they both have the same meaning? So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right? 0-
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00 ..but does that mean that they both have the same meaning? So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right? 0-
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0 Hi, 02 br
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01 font 00 So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right? 02 font 00 No, definitely not. 02 br
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00 If you try to do that, your English will sound very odd and will often be wrong. You can't substitute 'persons' in sentences like these. 02 br
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00 eg People like television. 02
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01 font 00 So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right? 02 font 00 No, definitely not. 02 br
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00 If you try to do that, your English will sound very odd and will often be wrong. You can't substitute 'persons' in sentences like these. 02 br
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00 eg People like television. 02
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Hello Clive:),
Then, when would I be able to use "persons"? Hmm..when you are not generalizing something?
If so, what about "30 persons went to Carla's wedding"?
Thanks in advance!
Then, when would I be able to use "persons"? Hmm..when you are not generalizing something?
If so, what about "30 persons went to Carla's wedding"?
Thanks in advance!
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No, it's very rarely used.
About the only time I ever see 'persons' is on official signs. Lifts always have a sign saying 'To carry 12 persons'.
About the only time I ever see 'persons' is on official signs. Lifts always have a sign saying 'To carry 12 persons'.
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Thanks Nona!:)
Then, there is no need to use "persons" if you are not writing a official sign, but what about while talking? Is it same?
Then, there is no need to use "persons" if you are not writing a official sign, but what about while talking? Is it same?
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I can't imagine many contexts where you would need to use persons in speech.
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Thanks Nona for your answer:).
So, "persons" is only used in specific moments but it's better if I avoid using it since "people" can be used in all contexts, right?
So, "persons" is only used in specific moments but it's better if I avoid using it since "people" can be used in all contexts, right?
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Hi Ana,
"persons" can be used in some formal contexts, in every other context "people" is always better. Especially in informal contexts (and speech), using "persons" would sound odd and not natural. Just use "people".
"persons" can be used in some formal contexts, in every other context "people" is always better. Especially in informal contexts (and speech), using "persons" would sound odd and not natural. Just use "people".
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