a gathering of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gathering of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an assembly or meeting of individuals for a specific purpose or event. Example: "The community organized a gathering of persons to discuss local issues and initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mere gathering of persons to hear a speaker communicate, or simply being a member of such a gathering, does not constitute obstruction.

Cornell University

Call a gathering of loved ones together, in person or on the phone.

Huffington Post

'But no person shall furnish or give away intoxicating liquor at an assemblage of persons gathered to erect a building or frame of a building, or to remove a building, or at a public gathering for amusement.

Cornell University

Why should it be that when you go to a gathering of people there is always one person who irritates you completely, while your friends or partner find that person quite interesting?

Huffington Post

Smith is the kind of person who should be a star at a gathering of conservative think-tankers and policy experts.

Huffington Post

In July, Mr. Curry convened a gathering of his top deputies, including Ms. Williams, to chart the agency's future course, a person briefed on the matter said.

The New York Times

"What one person sees as a chariot, another may see as a bear or as a gathering of angels.

The New York Times

Imagine a gathering of people.

Independent

It's a gathering of the tribes".

The New York Times - Arts

This was essentially a gathering of racists.

The Guardian

A gathering of some sort?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: While "a gathering of persons" is grammatically sound, it can sound formal. Choose it when formality is desired or appropriate. For less formal contexts, consider using "a group of people".

Common error

Avoid using "a gathering of persons" in informal settings. It can sound stilted or overly bureaucratic. Opt for more natural alternatives like "a group of people" or "a crowd" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gathering of persons" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes an assembly or meeting of individuals. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct, although potentially formal in tone.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gathering of persons" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an assembly or meeting of individuals. While functional, it tends to carry a more formal tone and is less commonly used than alternatives like "a group of people" or "an assembly of individuals". Ludwig suggests the phrase is correct, and although infrequent, it is more appropriate for formal or official contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the setting and the desired level of formality, and opt for simpler alternatives when a more casual tone is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of individuals

Replaces "gathering" with the more general term "group" and "persons" with "individuals", resulting in a slightly less formal phrase.

an assembly of people

Uses "assembly" to emphasize a more formal or organized gathering, and "people" as a common substitute for "persons".

a collection of individuals

Emphasizes the act of bringing together individuals, suitable for describing a diverse or varied group.

a crowd of people

Suggests a larger, less organized gathering, often implying a public event or spontaneous assembly.

a meeting of attendees

Highlights the purpose of the gathering as a meeting and specifies those present as "attendees".

a congregation of people

Implies a gathering with a shared purpose, often religious or spiritual in nature.

a convocation of members

Suggests a formal assembly of members of an organization or group.

a company of people

Indicates a gathering of people who are together for a specific purpose, often social or professional.

a body of individuals

Presents the group as a unified entity or organization, often used in formal or legal contexts.

a cohort of individuals

Refers to a group of people sharing a common characteristic or experience.

FAQs

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

Use "a gathering of persons" to describe a formal or official assembly. For example, "The permit is required for "an assembly of people" exceeding 25 individuals."

What can I say instead of "a gathering of persons"?

You can use alternatives like "a group of people", "an assembly of individuals", or "a crowd" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a gathering of persons" or "a gathering of people"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a gathering of people" is more commonly used and generally preferred in less formal contexts. "A gathering of persons" is suitable for formal or official situations.

What's the difference between "a gathering of persons" and ""an assembly of people""?

While both refer to groups of individuals, "a gathering of persons" implies a more general coming together, whereas ""an assembly of people"" suggests a more organized or formal meeting.