persons vs people

[BrunaBC]

Hi there.

I was taught that the plural of person is people, and that it is incorrect to use persons. However very often I come across with sentences using persons, like the one below (to set a context)

Generally persons who have never worn glasses are more easily improved than those who have, and glasses should be discarded at the beginning of the treatment.

Are both ways acceptable? Interchangeable?

Thank you.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi there.

I was taught that the plural of person is people, and that it is incorrect to use persons. However very often I come across with sentences using persons, like the one below (to set a context)

Generally persons who have never worn glasses are more easily improved than those who have, and glasses should be discarded at the beginning of the treatment.

Are both ways acceptable? Interchangeable?

Thank you.

As a general rule, use "people". "Persons" is used quite a lot in legal wordings and in some contexts (like the one above) it's acceptable though unusual. I would have used "people" in your example.

If you look at the metal panel inside a lift (elevator) you will see that it gives the maximum number of people which can safely fit in the lift. In the UK, it will read "MAX: 8 PERSONS".

 

[Rover_KE]

See also the Similar Threads below.

The advantage of giving your threads good titles is that the system finds links to previous discussions of the topic.

Rover