2006-11-11 20:41:41 · 16 answers · asked by Bapboy 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
it is indeed a word. I have found it's use more appropriate than "people" in certain contexts of writing, not usually in conversation. If you'd like to see many definitions of the word, I would consult the evertrusty (now is /that/ a word?) Google. In the search box type: define: persons Then you will see a list of definitions from a variety of sources, as well as certain phrases that include the word. I found this definition most helpful in distinguishing between the words 'people' and 'persons'
In general, the English word people refers to a specific group of humans, or to persons in a general sense
Hope that helps!!! (I learned a bit too, so thank you!)
2006-11-11 20:48:34 · answer #1 · answered by thesekeys 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, for instance, if I were to drop money on the street and two minutes later walked back and couldn't find it, I could say it was taken by a person or persons unknown.
Two or more people can properly be referred to as Persons. In this case the number is not specified, but you can say a number of "persons" attended a party together as well.
Same as saying cheeky blokes for more than one, instead of referring to one cheeky bloke, as I can be when I am not being nice.
2006-11-11 20:46:48 · answer #2 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Persons is the plural of person whereas people is used as a collective noun when there is something linking the persons referred to. Persons has extensive legal use to avoid the interpretation that they were acting together.
2006-11-11 20:58:12 · answer #3 · answered by Clive 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word people is usually treated as the suppletive plural of person (one person, many people). However, in legal and other formal contexts, the plural of person is persons;.
2006-11-11 21:37:35 · answer #4 · answered by fishintheear 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
persons is a word. It says "If any persons here present" in some cases.
2006-11-11 20:45:35 · answer #5 · answered by I know nothing! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2006-11-11 20:46:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Person refers to 1 person. People refers to 2 people and above. That is what my English Teacher taught me. There is no 's' for person.
2006-11-11 20:45:25 · answer #7 · answered by Cutebunny 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes it is a word when you get married the vicar or who ever is doing the service say repeat after me & the line is i call upon these persons present
2006-11-11 21:46:12 · answer #8 · answered by just ask jo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but you need an apostrphe in some cases
e.g Where is that person's coat
e.g (on a menu) This banquet is for three or four persons
2006-11-11 20:52:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's a word, used in the riot act!
2006-11-11 20:45:24 · answer #10 · answered by Avon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋