Many usage guides over the years have suggested that there is a clear distinction between these two words; people is used when referring to a collective group or indeterminate number, and persons …

We use person in the singular to refer to any human being: Joel is such a nice person. She’s a person I have a lot of respect for. Persons (plural) is a very formal word. We only use it in rather legalistic …

Oct 11, 2021 · Both persons and people can be used as plural forms of person. Persons is often used in formal, legal contexts to emphasize individuals as opposed to a group. People is the plural of person …

Nov 20, 2025 · “Person” is commonly used as a singular noun to refer to an individual. In contrast, “persons” is generally used in legal or formal contexts to indicate multiple individuals. In everyday …

a human being —sometimes used in compounds to avoid using man or woman; a person who likes or enjoys something specified; the body or clothing of a person especially when considered as a place …

Persons, people, or peoples? The plural of person should be people in the vast majority of contexts, although legalese uses the plural persons. Peoples should be reserved for instances where you are …

The plural form "people" is often used to refer to an entire nation or ethnic group (as in "a people"), and this was the original meaning of the word; it subsequently acquired its use as a plural form of person. …

Sep 6, 2017 · On the other hand, the term persons serves as the original plural form of the word person which is a noun referring to “a human being regarded as an individual” and is usually used in legal …

Jan 27, 2025 · City of Residence: Fort Myers Occupation: Attorney Spouse: David Mulicka Child (ren): Charlie Mulicka, Hunter Mulicka Education: Evangel University, BA, Journalism ...

Jun 17, 2025 · In short, persons is typically only found in legal or technical writing. But if you’re referring to the plural of person as a collective noun, then the word you should use is people.