Can you say: We're both human. Or We're both humans. Is the 'S' necessary?

[B45]

Can you say:

We're both human.

Or

We're both humans.

Is the 'S' necessary?

 

[probus]

The 's" is not necessary. I prefer 'We're both human.'

 

[SoothingDave]

I would only say "we're both humans" if I was in some sort of Sci Fi world where other sentient species existed. Or traveling in the Tardis.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I am not sure what the author intended. With the "s", it is clear that it refers to human beings, as opposed to animals. Without the "s" it could mean the same, but it also can refer to characteristics of a human, particularly weakness.

See definition 3 under adjective here.

 

[Tdol]

You're right, but if I wanted to distinguish us from animals, I would probably use human beings.