Fact Check: Is "persons" correct?

Is "Persons" Correct?

The claim under examination is whether the term "persons" is grammatically correct in English usage. This question often arises in discussions about the appropriate plural form of "person," with some asserting that "persons" is an acceptable variant, particularly in formal contexts.

What We Know

1. Definitions and Usage: The term "person" is the singular form, while "people" and "persons" are both plural forms. "People" is the more commonly used plural, referring to a group of individuals in a general sense, while "persons" is often reserved for formal or legal contexts. According to Merriam-Webster, "persons" is used when referring to individuals in specific situations, such as legal documents or formal notices 1.

2. Historical Context: The word "person" derives from the Latin "persona," which originally meant "mask" and later came to signify an individual human being. "People," on the other hand, comes from the Latin "populus," meaning a group or community 2. This etymological background suggests that while both terms have their roots in Latin, they have evolved to serve different functions in modern English.

3. Grammatical Perspectives: Various grammar sources confirm that "people" is the de facto plural form in most contexts. For example, Cambridge Dictionary notes that "persons" is a very formal word, typically used in legal contexts, such as in notices or laws 4. Similarly, Grammarly emphasizes that while both forms are grammatically correct, "people" is preferred in everyday usage 2.

4. Contextual Usage: The term "persons" is often found in legal language, where precision is crucial. For instance, legal documents may specify "any person or persons" to clarify the subjects involved 4. This specificity is less common in everyday conversation, where "people" suffices.

Analysis

The debate over the use of "persons" versus "people" reflects broader issues in language usage, including formality, context, and evolving norms.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited vary in their authority. Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary are reputable dictionaries known for their linguistic accuracy and are generally considered reliable 14. Grammarly and other grammar-focused websites also provide useful insights, though they may cater to a more general audience and could reflect contemporary usage trends rather than strict grammatical rules 23.

• Potential Bias: Some sources may have a bias towards modern usage, promoting "people" as the preferred term without adequately addressing the contexts in which "persons" is appropriate. For example, while Grammarly provides a solid explanation, it may not fully capture the nuances of legal or formal contexts where "persons" is still relevant 2.

• Methodology: The analysis of these terms often relies on usage examples and historical context. However, a comprehensive linguistic study examining the frequency and contexts of "persons" in contemporary language would provide more robust evidence. Such a study could analyze legal documents, academic texts, and everyday conversation to determine how often "persons" is used correctly and in what contexts.

• Conflicts of Interest: There are no apparent conflicts of interest among the sources reviewed, as they are primarily educational and aim to clarify language usage rather than promote a specific agenda.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The term "persons" is grammatically correct in English, particularly in formal or legal contexts. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes definitions from reputable sources like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge Dictionary, which confirm that "persons" is an acceptable plural form when referring to individuals in specific situations. Additionally, historical context and grammatical perspectives indicate that while "people" is the more commonly used plural in everyday language, "persons" retains its relevance in formal discourse.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the usage of "persons" is less frequent in casual conversation, which may lead to some confusion regarding its appropriateness. The evidence primarily reflects established norms and definitions, but a comprehensive linguistic study could further clarify the contexts in which "persons" is used correctly.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider the context in which language is used, as language norms can evolve over time and may vary across different settings.

Sources

1. Merriam-Webster. "When to Use People vs. Persons." https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/people-vs-persons
2. Grammarly. "Persons, People, or Peoples—When To Use Each." https://www.grammarly.com/blog/vocabulary/persons-people-peoples/
3. Grammarist. "Persons vs. People - Proper Usage & Examples." https://grammarist.com/usage/people-persons/
4. Cambridge Dictionary. "Person, persons or people?" https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/person-persons-or-people
5. YourDictionary. "Persons vs. People: Understanding When To Use Which." https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/persons-vs-people-grammar
6. MasterClass. "People vs. Persons: When to Write or Say 'People' vs. 'Persons'." https://www.masterclass.com/articles/people-vs-persons-explained
7. LanguageTool. "Persons vs. People—What's The Difference?" https://languagetool.org/insights/post/people-vs-persons