"population of..." or "population in..."

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Jinn

#60578 Fri, 10 Dec 04 02:43 AM

Would anybody kindly explain under what circumstance you say "the population in UK" rather than "the population of UK"?

Jinn

Joined on Tue, Oct 19 2004

Japan

New Member (02)

paco2004

#60584 Fri, 10 Dec 04 03:49 AM

As 'population' is the noun coming from 'populate', 'population of a place' sounds more natural than 'population in a place'.
They [VP [V populated] [N England]].
---> The [NP [N population][PP of England]].
But 'population in a place' would be better in a sentence like;
"The plague decreased the population in Europe"

It's just my two cents. Our teachers will give you better answers.

paco

paco2004

Joined on Wed, Nov 17 2004

Senior Member (4,095)

In Japan today even dogs are learning how to bow-wow in English.

Nouns

Jinn

#60605 Fri, 10 Dec 04 04:58 AM

Thank you very much, paco2004, for your response. I have been aware that "population of" is more natural than the other in ordinary cases. Your example of "population in" is very interesting. Now I am wondering what makes native speakers feel the difference.

Best wishes,

JINN

Jinn