a class of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a class of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it in a sentence such as: "In the 19th century, women were considered a class of persons excluded from higher education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The discretionary beneficiaries comprise a class of persons who reside throughout Europe and South America.

The Guardian - Business

There is a class of persons who retired before 1986 who do not get any pension.

The Economist

Peasant, any member of a class of persons who till the soil as small landowners or as agricultural labourers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whelan says it's not just that Walker happens to belong to a class of persons affected by this issue.

The New Yorker

Beneficiaries of private trusts must be identifiable legal entities (natural persons or corporations) or a class of persons (such as children of the creator of the trust).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He belonged to a class of persons convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary whose identity as former convicts had not been determined at the time of their trial.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I acknowledged that there is a class of person with a public profile – those who actively engage in the "celebrity industry" – who may enjoy a lower level of protection when it comes to privacy.

The Guardian

"I think that there is a class of person who is able to walk away from this relatively easy, consistent money because they are so dissatisfied with the processes of a big company," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"I certify a class of all persons and business entities who have accepted Visa and-or MasterCard credit cards and therefore have been required to accept VisaCheck and-or MasterMoney debit cards," Judge Gleeson stated in his opinion.

The New York Times

The Project represents a class of all persons found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined at Elgin Mental Health Center.

University of Chicago

The 1967 Abortion Act "What the [abortion] act did was effectively make unborn children a class of non-person.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to specific groups, use descriptive adjectives before "a class of persons" to clarify the context and characteristics of the group you are discussing. For example, "a disadvantaged class of persons" or "a protected class of persons".

Common error

Avoid using "a class of persons" in overly broad or vague statements. Instead, specify the characteristics or criteria that define the group you are referencing to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

"A class of persons" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It serves to identify a group of individuals who share common characteristics, often within a legal, social, or statistical context. This is evident from Ludwig's examples, which showcases varied contexts from academic to legal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

54%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a class of persons" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, particularly in formal and neutral contexts. It serves to categorize and refer to individuals based on shared attributes, often within legal, social, or statistical discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and finds common ground in academia, news media, and science. While alternatives like "a group of individuals" or "a category of people" exist, "a class of persons" maintains a level of formality and specificity that makes it suitable for precise and objective writing. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the defining characteristics of the group to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of individuals

Focuses on the individual members within the class, highlighting their distinct identities within the group.

a category of people

Emphasizes the shared attributes that place these individuals within a specific category.

a type of person

Highlights shared characteristics or behaviors associated with a particular type, rather than a formal classification.

a set of individuals

Implies a more defined and potentially limited collection of people.

a body of people

Suggests a collective unit with a shared purpose or characteristic.

a section of society

Places emphasis on the broader societal context and the group's role within it.

a community of individuals

Highlights shared values, interests, or geographical proximity among members.

a demographic group

Refers to a population segment defined by statistical characteristics, such as age, race, or income.

a segment of the population

Describes a specific portion of the overall population, often based on shared traits or circumstances.

a distinct group

Highlights the unique and differentiated nature of the group compared to others.

FAQs

How can I use "a class of persons" in a sentence?

You can use "a class of persons" to refer to a group of individuals who share common characteristics or are treated similarly under a particular law or social construct. For example, "The law aims to protect a vulnerable class of persons".

What are some alternatives to "a class of persons"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a group of individuals", "a category of people", or "a type of person".

Is it better to say "a class of people" or "a class of persons"?

Both "a class of people" and "a class of persons" are grammatically correct. "People" is generally more informal and common in everyday conversation, while "persons" can be perceived as more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts.

What's the difference between "a class of persons" and "a specific group"?

"A class of persons" often implies a formal or legal categorization based on shared attributes or circumstances. "A specific group" is a more general term that can refer to any collection of individuals brought together for any reason.