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Old 19-Aug-2004, 04:12
welldone
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Default person v.s. people

Dear teachers,

I was told by a native speaker that we should say:

"Two people came in"

instead of

"Two persons came in"

Is that true?

thanks :D
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Old 19-Aug-2004, 07:06
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Default Re: person v.s. people

Quote:
Originally Posted by welldone
Dear teachers,

I was told by a native speaker that we should say:

"Two people came in"

instead of

"Two persons came in"

Is that true?

thanks :D
'persons' is usually used in Business. It's used to emphasize that a group (of people) is made up of individuals, like this,

The food shipment sent to The Sudan this morning will feed 8,000 persons.
--CNN

Two people entered the room. (OK)
Two persons entered the room. (OK, but usually in a Business/professional context i.e., a detective, a lawyer or the police might say it).

All the best, :D
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Old 19-Aug-2004, 14:43
welldone
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wow, that's really subtle...
I would never get to that without your explanation. Thanks, Casiopea!
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Old 19-Aug-2004, 16:33
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by welldone
wow, that's really subtle...
Thanks, Casiopea!
Yes. It is, isn't it. :D

You're welcome. 8)
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