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Persons and people
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Sarah  #6114  Thu, 28 Aug 03 09:45 AM
does anyone know the rules surroundign the use of 'persons' and 'people'? When do you use either?
Thanks
  
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Mike in Japan  #6117  Thu, 28 Aug 03 12:28 PM
Persons is the plural of person.
People refers to human beings in general, or the persons forming some kind of group.
In my experience most people use the word "people" to mean both "people" and "persons".
Maybe it is fair to say that the use of the word "persons" is diminishing.
  
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Woodward  #6124  Thu, 28 Aug 03 02:53 PM
The plural of 'person' is 'people'. When you are talking in general, use 'people'.
'Persons' is sometimes used as the plural of 'person' in OFFICIAL language.
  
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pieter  #6126  Thu, 28 Aug 03 04:04 PM
Is Steinbeck's drama " People and mice" or " Persons and mice? "Smile [:)]:)
  
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Guest  #25337  Thu, 11 Mar 04 11:06 AM
mice and men!!!!!
  
rommie  #25352  Thu, 11 Mar 04 01:53 PM
Woodward is right.

Pieter's answer is not suitable for persons of sensitive disposition. Smile [:)]

Rommie
  
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