people
People refers to a group of human beings or the general public. It is the standard plural form of the word 'person'.
Examples
3 of 5There are many people at the park today.
A large number of human beings are in the park today.
The committee represents the interests of all people in the region.
The group speaks for every individual human in the area.
Most people I know prefer coffee over tea.
The majority of individuals I am friends with like coffee more.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'peep' hole: you use it to see the 'peep-le' outside your door.
Quick Quiz
How many ______ are coming to the dinner tonight?
Correct!
The correct answer is: people
Examples
There are many people at the park today.
everydayA large number of human beings are in the park today.
The committee represents the interests of all people in the region.
formalThe group speaks for every individual human in the area.
Most people I know prefer coffee over tea.
informalThe majority of individuals I am friends with like coffee more.
The study observes how people react to social changes.
academicThe research looks at how human beings respond to changes in society.
We want to hire the best people for our company.
businessWe want to employ the most talented individuals for our business.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
people person
someone who is very friendly and enjoys socializing
the common people
ordinary citizens rather than the elite
young people
children and young adults
Often Confused With
Persons is used in very formal or legal contexts, while people is the common plural.
Peoples refers to multiple ethnic groups or nations, not just multiple individuals.
Usage Notes
The word 'people' is treated as a plural noun and always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'people are', not 'people is'). It is the most common way to refer to more than one human being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'peoples' when they mean the plural of person, or they accidentally use a singular verb like 'the people is happy'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'peep' hole: you use it to see the 'peep-le' outside your door.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'pople', coming from the Latin 'populus' meaning a nation or a community.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, using 'people' rather than 'persons' sounds warmer and more communal.
Quick Quiz
How many ______ are coming to the dinner tonight?
Correct!
The correct answer is: people
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
pale
A1Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.
lung
A1The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.
tropical
A1Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.
trader
A1A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.
indoor
A1Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.
threshold
A1A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.
tribute
A1A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.
elder
A1Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.
russian
A1Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.
southeastern
A1Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free