person v.s. people

[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

 

[Casiopea]

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

'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,

 

[welldone]

wow, that's really subtle...
I would never get to that without your explanation. Thanks, Casiopea!

 

[Casiopea]

wow, that's really subtle...
Thanks, Casiopea!

Yes. It is, isn't it.

You're welcome. 8)