Tip 53. Plurals of person
Which option fits here?
During September we will be training ......... who will be using the new computer system on a daily basis. In October, we will concentrate on those whose need is less urgent.
Wrong answer, try again!
Wrong answer, try again!
Correct answer!
Comment
'People' is both more common and more natural in everyday English (i.e. outside formal English).
'Persons' is a formal word, used in legal language and notices (e.g. "the law distinguishes between legal and natural persons").
This mistake is common even at advanced level, perhaps for two reasons: 1) 'persons' is a regular plural so easier to remember, and 2) non-native professionals often have most of their contact with formal English, where 'persons' is used more often than 'people'.
