Is the word "persons" correct in English?

Question

I am Spanish and I am learning English. I have learned that the plural of person is people. So I am confused to hear people using the word "persons" which would be incorrect, for "people", . I would like someone to confirm if persons can be used as well. Thank you for your answers.

Answer 1

You can say "persons," but it's usually more for technical language. Like if you were on an elevator or something, you might see a sign that says, "Maximum occupancy: 5 persons." Usually, though, we don't say it in everyday conversation.

Generally, for everyday, informal conversation, we say "people" as the plural for "person."

Not to confuse you at this point in your studies, but "people" can also be pluralized to "peoples" when referring to more than one separate groups of people. For example: Various indigenous peoples have lived in this area. Again, I don't want to confuse you, just look out for that, as well.

By the way, your English sounds very good to me, but if you want someone to practice with, you can contact me. Estoy aprendiendo español y siempre ando buscando amigos con quienes puedo practicarlo. :)

Answer 2

I teach English here in the United States. "Persons" is *properly* used when you are describing them as individuals, rather than as a group. For example, "I have taught 30 persons basic English skills." (I taught them individually, not as a group.) "People" is used when you are referring to a group all together, or collectively, such as, "People that learn a second language are usually dedicated, hard workers." I think it's roughly the same as using "personas" versus "gente". However, "persons" is not being used as commonly anymore and has mostly been replaced by "people" as a plural in any case. So, in answer to your question, "persons" is probably being used correctly, but it is falling out of common usage. As a non-native English speaker, you may be better off sticking with "people" in all cases unless you're really confident in its usage.

Answer 3

English is not my native language, but I have been studying it for 15 years, so I guess I'm pretty good! I have heard the word used by native speakers though, so it must have some degree of acceptability, at least in spoken language. If you're not sure, there are many ways to avoid it, as long as you don't insist on keeping obstinately to your own language structure. Good luck!

Answer 4

i am an english teacher living in Naples italy, strictly speaking persons is not correct as the plural of person is people but 'persons' may be used in legal contracts...but in the everydfay spoken language it is really wrong to use it

Answer 5

Persons is correct in English, in some contexts. It is usually only used in very formal settings, like legal documents.

People is much more common, so keep using people.

Answer 6

"Persons" is correct, just not as commonly used as "people".

Good luck with learning English (you seem to be on a good start) and hope this helped a bit! :)

Answer 7

Basically, 'persons' sounds a stiff, formal style. If you can count heads, you could use 'persons'. If you assume it's just a mass and don't care the exact number of people, you should use 'people'.

Answer 8

person is correct peope or peoples is usually used to show a greater number of people

Answer 9

i think persons is used in a past tense. the only time i have heard it used is in a legal sense 'person or persons unknown'

Answer 10

The best way to settle this question would be to refer to authoritative sites. I have selected one which shoud help.