a person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a person" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "The most important thing to remember is that each person is unique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A person misremembered.

The New Yorker

A person gets used.

The New York Times

"It's like a person".

The New York Times

Entry: $6 a person.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm just a person".

The New York Times

He's a person, too".

The New Yorker

A person could slip!

The New York Times

Not a person.

The New Yorker

You're a person, too.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was a person!

The New Yorker

A person explodes!

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, consider alternatives like "individual" or "human being" to add specificity depending on the context.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid repetitive use of "a person" in formal writing. Vary your language with more precise terms like "individual", "participant", or specific roles (e.g., "researcher", "employee") to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

A determiner followed by a noun, the phrase "a person" functions as a general noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase is used to refer to any unspecified individual, without emphasis on specific identity or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a person" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an individual in a general sense, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts such as news, wikis, and business documents. While widely applicable, varying your language with terms like "individual" or "human being" can enhance precision and formality. Be mindful of context to avoid overuse in formal writing. Remember to use "a person" for singular, unspecified individuals and "people" for plural references.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an individual

Replaces "person" with a more formal term, emphasizing individuality.

a human being

Emphasizes the human aspect, suitable in contexts requiring empathy or ethical considerations.

someone

More indefinite, used when the specific identity is unknown or unimportant.

an entity

Broader term encompassing beings, organizations, or objects, often used in technical or legal contexts.

a member

Refers to someone belonging to a group or organization.

a soul

Implies a deeper, more spiritual aspect of a person, often used in philosophical or emotional contexts.

a character

Used when referring to someone in a narrative or fictional context.

a figure

Implies importance or prominence, often used in historical or statistical contexts.

a being

A more general term for anything that exists, including humans, animals, or even abstract concepts.

an agent

Suggests someone acting on behalf of another or with a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "a person" in a sentence?

"A person" is used to refer to an individual in a general sense. For example, "A person should always be kind" or "It is important to respect a person's privacy".

What words can I use instead of "a person"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an individual", "a human being", or "someone".

When is it more appropriate to use "an individual" instead of "a person"?

"An individual" is typically used in more formal or legal contexts where greater precision is required. "A person" is more common in everyday language.

Is there a difference between "a person" and "people"?

"A person" refers to a single individual, while "people" is the plural form, referring to multiple individuals.