[General] The city has a population of one million (people).

[jiamajia]

The city has a population of one million people.

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I heard someone say the above. Is 'people' necessary there, or simply is it wrong to add 'people' there? Thank you.

 

[Barb_D]

My default assumption about population is human beings, so it could be redundant.

However, depending on what is being discussed, it could be the population of migratory birds who winter over in that city, the number of domestic dogs, feral cats, etc.

It would depend on the context whether it's redundant (you've already been talking about how many people live in nearby cities or the surrounding countryside, so "people" are already understood) or necessary information.

 

[Tdol]

It's not wrong. though.