Persons/People

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	Pucca  #375116  Mon, 04 Jun 07 11:26 PM Hello everybody! Would you mind telling me the differences between "persons" and "people"? The only thing I know, if I am not wrong again, is that they are both in plural. But how are they used? Thanks in advance for your help!    Pucca Joined on Sun, Aug 27 2006 Senior Member (2,852) ¿Alguna vez has tenido un sueño tan real que al despertarte no sabías qué creer?
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	Clive  #375125  Mon, 04 Jun 07 11:54 PM Hi. Generally speaking, the word 'people' is used much, much more often than the word 'persons'. Best wishes, Clive    Clive Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004 Canada Veteran Member (20,467) El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

	CalifJim  #375153  Tue, 05 Jun 07 01:06 AM See Post:187358    CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member (16,549) "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

	Pucca  #375570  Wed, 06 Jun 07 12:58 AM Thanks Clive and CalifJim! ..but does that mean that they both have the same meaning? So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right?    Pucca

	Clive  #375628  Wed, 06 Jun 07 05:41 AM Hi, So, it would always be possible to use "persons", right? No, definitely not. If you try to do that, your English will sound very odd and will often be wrong. You can't substitute 'persons' in sentences like these. eg People like television. eg The Canadian people are going to elect a new government next year. Best wishes, Clive    Clive

	Pucca  #377576  Sun, 10 Jun 07 07:46 PM Hello Clive, Then, when would I be able to use "persons"? Hmm..when you are not generalizing something? If so, what about "30 persons went to Carla's wedding"? Thanks in advance!    Pucca
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	nona the brit  #377577  Sun, 10 Jun 07 07:50 PM No, it's very rarely used. About the only time I ever see 'persons' is on official signs. Lifts always have a sign saying 'To carry 12 persons'.    nona the brit Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004 England Veteran Member (11,301) The name says it all.

	Pucca  #377587  Sun, 10 Jun 07 07:59 PM Thanks Nona! Then, there is no need to use "persons" if you are not writing a official sign, but what about while talking? Is it same?    Pucca

	nona the brit  #377833  Mon, 11 Jun 07 09:52 AM I can't imagine many contexts where you would need to use persons in speech.    nona the brit