ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: "population of..." or "population in..."

Jinn — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 04:58:32 GMT

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

Re: "population of..." or "population in..."

paco2004 — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 03:49:30 GMT

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

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

Jinn — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 02:43:46 GMT

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