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ESL forum >
Ask for help > The way I was taught
The way I was taught
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1hpf
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The way I was taught
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I was taught that person is the singular of people - not the use of persons or peoples
Is it right? I hear many times Americans say peoples or persons, and I had to ask.
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19 Sep 2010
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JudyHalevi
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The word peoples is nations.
The word persons is a valid plural of person, though, it is old English. Mostly the word people is used today.
Hugs
Judy |
19 Sep 2010
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yanogator
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Yes, one person, two or more people.
"Peoples" means different races, nationalities, etc., and isn �t very common. "Different peoples lived in western Europe over the centuries."
"Persons" is sometimes used to mean "individuals". There is a common expression - "persons unknown" (meaning people, but you don �t know who), as in "Graffiti was sprayed on the walls by persons unknown." It �s usually a negative expression. Otherwise, "persons" is not a very common word, either.
I hope this helps,
Bruce |
19 Sep 2010
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joy2bill
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"persons � is a formal word. You find it on elevators/ lifts eg restricted to 15 persons only.
I get this question a lot from my students.
Cheers Joy |
19 Sep 2010
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blunderbuster
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Every new class I step into, I am confronted with this "persons." I think we need a worksheet on that ;o))))
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19 Sep 2010
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1hpf
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Thanks, now I understand.
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19 Sep 2010
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