In costume

[Rachel Adams]

Aren't the second and fourth sentences with "in costume" wrong if I am talking about many people?

1. "People in costumes stand at the entrance and entertain little children."
2. "People in costume stand at the entrance and entertain little children."
3. "People dressed in costumes stand at the entrance and entertain little children."
4. "People dressed in costume stand at the entrance and entertain little children."

 

[emsr2d2]

No, "in costume" is a set phrase meaning "wearing a costume". It doesn't matter how many people you're talking about.

 

[Rover_KE]

Other similar set phrases are in uniform/in drag/in disguise etc.

 

[Rachel Adams]

No, "in costume" is a set phrase meaning "wearing a costume". It doesn't matter how many people you're talking about.

So all my sentences are correct, aren't they?

 

[emsr2d2]

They're all understandable but the most natural is "People in costume ..."

 

[Yankee]

Both OK , but personally, if "costumes" were used it would give me a clearer mental perception of the scene.