'Person' vs 'People': Not as Simple as You Might Think | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 25 September 2024)

Person vs People: Understanding the Differences

Most learners of English know that the plural of person is people, but there is more to it. This blog post will explain the meanings of these words and help you use them correctly.

Person

A person refers to an individual human being. It is the singular form used in everyday contexts:

✅ Tom is a kind person who always helps others.

✅ She is a person who values honesty above all else.

✅ As a person ages, their perspective often changes.

People

People is the usual plural form of person and is used to refer to more than one individual:

✅ Many people attended the concert last night.

✅ People from all over the world visit Hong Kong each year.

✅ The park was filled with people enjoying picnics.

Persons

The plural form persons is a formal term often used in official or legal documents, notices, or statements to refer to individuals:

✅ The policy applies to all persons entering the building.

✅ The lift has a maximum capacity of eight persons.

✅ Only authorised persons are allowed beyond this point.

A People or Peoples

A people refers to a group with a shared culture or ethnicity. Peoples is used when referring to multiple such groups:

✅ The Maori are a people with rich traditions.

✅ We as a people must work together to achieve peace.

✅ Despite our differences, we are one people united by shared values.

✅ The Indigenous peoples of the Americas have diverse cultures.

The entry for the noun people (sense 3) in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

In summary, use a person for an individual, people for the general plural of person, persons in formal or legal contexts, a people for a cultural or ethnic group, and peoples for multiple such groups.

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Examples from the Media

According to Google (who else?), a cyberchondriac is a person who compulsively searches the internet for information about particular real or imagined symptoms of illness. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

A person who radiates warmth will bring out the glowing sides of the people he meets, while a person who conveys formality can meet the same people and find them stiff and detached. —The New York Times (2023)

We are a people who care deeply about both our institutions and our responsibilities to create a better country. —Toronto Star (2016)

The only fair and equitable way forward is for racial separatism and division to be abandoned, and for us to move forward as one people in one nation under one flag. —Daily Mail (2023)

The honorary degree recognised Prof Ruru's work on indigenous peoples' rights and indigenous law, especially in relation to land and water management and legal personality of the environment. —Otago Daily Times (2024)

Practice

Fill in each blank with person, people, or peoples.

1. ________ often enjoy spending time outdoors on sunny days.

2. The only ________ here who knows anything is James.

3. We are a ________ known for our resilience.

4. The United Nations recognises the rights of Indigenous ________ globally.

5. Many ________ find reading to be a relaxing activity.

Answer Key

1. People    2. person    3. people    4. peoples    5. people

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. Regarding does not require the preposition to after it. The correct phrase is regarding this project. Alternatively, you could use with regard to this project.
2. The expression should be in the active voice.
3. Since multiple individuals are listed, people is more appropriate than person.