a third person

USAGE SUMMARY

"a third person" is a correct and usable phrase in written English to refer to a person other than the speaker or the person being spoken to.
For example, "She asked me to bring a third person to help us move the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A third person fled.

The New York Times

A third person was wounded.

The New York Times

A third person was fined $1,200.

The New York Times

A third person was unhurt.

The New York Times

MADONNA -- As a third person.

The New York Times

A third person kept it pointed upward".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Balloo is a third-person platform game.

Stanford University

Occasionally a third-person narrator watches him.

The New York Times - Books

This is also referred to as a third-person ontology.

University of California, Berkeley

"They tend to take a third-person perspective.

The New York Times - Style

A third-person effect, the perception of stronger impact of communication messages on others, was observed.

American Journal of Infection Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider alternatives like "an additional individual" or "another party" for enhanced clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "a third person" excessively in informal writing. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "someone else" or "another person" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a third person" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to identify an individual distinct from the speaker and the addressee. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts describing events, investigations, or procedures involving more than two people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a third person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to an individual separate from the speaker and the person being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. While alternatives like "another individual" or "an additional party" exist for more formal settings, "a third person" maintains a neutral register suitable for most situations. The phrase appears most often in news reports and scientific literature, making it a versatile expression. Remember to use simpler alternatives like "someone else" in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

another individual

Replaces "person" with a more formal term, "individual".

an additional party

Emphasizes the role or involvement of the extra person, often in legal or formal contexts.

another participant

Focuses on the person's involvement in an activity or situation.

a supplementary person

Highlights the added or extra nature of the individual.

an extra player

Suggests an additional person in a game, activity, or scenario.

an outside observer

Specifies the role of the individual as someone not directly involved.

a secondary actor

Highlights the role of the person as someone with a less central function.

a disinterested party

Indicates the individual has no personal stake or bias.

an alternative person

Emphasizes that this person is another option available.

a separate entity

Highlights the distinct and independent nature of the individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a third person" to refer to someone other than the speaker or the person being addressed. For example, "She asked me to bring "a third person" to help with the project".

What are some alternatives to "a third person"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "another individual", "an "additional party"", or "someone else" instead of "a third person".

Is it more formal to say "a third person" or "another person"?

"A third person" is generally neutral, while phrases like "an "additional individual"" or "another party" may be considered more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "a third person" in legal writing?

In legal contexts, "a third person" can be used to refer to someone who is not a direct party to a contract or agreement. Always ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, you might clarify as an "unaffiliated individual".