Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Person”?
Learn the singular and plural noun forms, the rule behind the plural, and examples that show the form in context.
Singular and Plural Form of Person
Person is the singular noun form. People is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: One human; a single individual.
Why is the Plural of Person “people”?
The Irregular Plural Rule for Person
This noun has an irregular plural form that does not follow standard English pluralization rules. Irregular form from corpus
Plural pattern: irregular.
How to Remember the Plural of Person
“person” → “people” is an irregular plural — there is no rule, so memorise the pair as a whole. Try writing it in 3 sentences today.
Singular vs Plural Examples with Person
See person and people used in real sentences side by side.
- There is one person waiting at the door. A1
- She is a kind person who helps others. A2
- Each person in the organization must complete the safety training. B1
Common Plural Mistakes with Person
Wrong: There are five persons in the room.
Correct: There are five people in the room.
Use 'people' for plural; 'persons' is formal/legal only.
Wrong: He is a very friendly person who people like.
Correct: He is a very friendly person whom people like.
Use 'whom' as object of verb 'like' (though modern speech often uses 'who').
How to Pronounce Person and People
Rhymes with 'curtain'. Stress first syllable: PER-sun.
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Person
These nouns follow the same irregular rule. Click any word to see its plural page.
A young boy or girl who is not yet an adult.
the two parts at the bottom of your legs that touch the…
A tiny insect that lives around food and moves very fast.
One of two equal parts that make up something complete.
A grown-up male person. A man is an adult male, not a…
The ability to remember things from the past, or the thought you…
Money that a person earns from their job, paid regularly by their…
A word to point to or show a specific person or thing,…
Origin and Etymology of Person
From Latin persona, possibly from Etruscan phersu, 'mask'.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Person
What is the plural of “person”?
The plural of “person” is “people”.
Is “people” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as irregular based on the available plural data.