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Old 23-Jun-2006, 19:24
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Default people and persons

Is there a simple rule to explain when you use these.
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Old 23-Jun-2006, 20:59
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Default Re: people and persons

Quote:
Originally Posted by tonyp
Is there a simple rule to explain when you use these.

person - singular; persons - plural
people - plural

That`s the person I`ve met this morning
These are the people I`ve met this morning
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Old 23-Jun-2006, 23:16
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Default Re: people and persons

Additionally, "persons" is mostly found in formal or technical contexts, where there is a particular reason for regarding the "persons" as a collection of individuals, rather than a group. For example (from Google):

1. National listings of unidentified deceased persons.
2. The Missing Persons Helpline.
3. ...persons of suspicious appearance...

MrP
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