a group of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a group of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple individuals collectively, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "The committee was formed to represent a group of persons interested in environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Political discussions

Legal documents

General descriptive writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Political party, a group of persons organized to acquire and exercise political power.

Britannica

In the meantime, shareholders are offered morsels about "a group of persons whose identity is still being determined" modifying software.

The Guardian - Business

General practitioners or family physicians give primary medical care to a group of persons who register with them.

Britannica

The DAO investors constituted a group of persons carrying on a joint association for the pursuit of profit.

Columbia University

A "group of persons – whose identity is still being determined" had responded to this by modifying engine management software, VW said.

The Guardian - Business

In July, Denmark summarily expelled a group of persons identified by Copenhagen's lord mayor as "criminal Roma".

The New York Times

"A group of persons began to search for Mr. Tunley in an effort to engage in some form of retribution," the police said in a statement.

The New York Times

Further what must be stirred up is hatred of a group of persons defined by their religious beliefs and not hatred of the religion itself.

The Guardian

Defines religious hatred as hatred against a group of persons on the basis of their religious belief or lack of religious belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

The offering to distribute copies or phonorecords to a group of persons for purposes of further distribution, public performance, or public display, constitutes publication.

Harvard University

The provision in question makes it illegal for an individual to contribute or assist a group of persons who are committing atrocities.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a group of persons" in formal writing, legal documents, or contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate. For general writing, consider using "a group of people" as it is more common.

Common error

Avoid using "a group of persons" in casual or informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a group of people" or "some people" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a group of persons" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows that it typically refers to a collection of individuals considered as a unit. The phrase often introduces or identifies a specific set of people involved in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a group of persons" is a grammatically correct noun phrase suitable for formal contexts, often appearing in legal, academic, and official documents. While versatile, Ludwig AI suggests it is less common than "a group of people" in general writing, and it is crucial to use it judiciously to avoid an overly stilted tone. Consider alternatives such as "a group of individuals" or "some people" based on the context to ensure clarity and appropriateness. Remember that proper usage enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a group of people

More common and less formal alternative.

a collection of individuals

Slightly more formal and emphasizes individuality.

a body of individuals

Formal, often used in legal or organizational contexts.

an assembly of people

Suggests a gathering or meeting.

a party of individuals

Suggests a group with a shared purpose or journey.

a set of people

More mathematical and abstract, less common in general writing.

a number of people

Focuses on the quantity rather than the group's composition.

a crowd of people

Implies a large, often disorganized gathering.

a team of people

Specifically refers to a group working together.

a community of people

Emphasizes shared interests or location.

FAQs

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

Use "a group of persons" to refer to multiple individuals, especially in legal, formal, or official contexts. For example: "The investigation focused on "a group of persons" suspected of fraud."

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

"A group of persons" is more formal and less common than "a group of people". Use "a group of persons" in legal or very formal writing, while "a group of people" is suitable for most other contexts.

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

Alternatives include "a group of individuals", "a collection of people", or simply "some people" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "a group of persons" always the best choice in formal writing?

While "a group of persons" is formal, it can sometimes sound stilted. Consider whether "a group of individuals" or a more concise phrase would be clearer and more effective.