Editor's Corner

Good morning. I hope you have your inquisitive hat on today. If not, go get it. I’ll wait…

I’m wondering if you’re wondering when to use which plural form of the word person. (That’s a mouthful!) You have two choices: you can refer to multiple individuals as either persons or people. So, how do you know which plural form to use? Now that you’ve got your hat on, I feel comfortable giving you the details.

First, here’s some history. In years gone by, most usage guides suggested a clear distinction between the words. They recommended using people when referring to an uncountable group of individuals. Conversely, they recommended using persons for a smaller, countable group. For example, in the olden days of 1776, the correct way to use these two words was described by John Trusler like this: “To be pleasant at table, none should be admitted but people of good humour: neither should there be more than seven or eight persons.”

All the way up until the early 20th century, this has been the rule for most style guides: use people for an uncountable group of individuals and use persons for smaller, countable groups. However, the trend in the last few decades has definitely been toward using people as the preferred plural form of person in almost all cases, with the exception of legal documents and some other formalized writing (and some well-known idiomatic phrases “displaced persons” and “missing persons bureau”).

For our purposes, unless you work in the Legal department, feel free to stick with the word people when referring to any size group of individuals.

You can remove your hat now. My mom says you shouldn’t have it on indoors anyway.

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry

Pronouns she/her/hers

9660 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego CA 92123

Symitar Education Resources (sharepoint.com)

<![if !vml]><![endif]>

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to subscribe.

Don’t want to get Editor’s Corner anymore? Click here to unsubscribe.

Do you have a question or an idea for Editor’s Corner? Send your suggestions or feedback to Kara and <a href="mailto:DBurcher.

NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any files transmitted with it are intended
exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The message,
together with any attachment, may contain confidential and/or privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, printing, saving, copying, disclosure or distribution
is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please
immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete all copies.