number of persons

USAGE SUMMARY

"number of persons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people or the population of a place. For example, "The number of persons living in rural areas is decreasing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A number of persons received minor injuries.

The New York Times

A large number of persons were killed.

The New Yorker

A Number of Persons Killed and Missing.

The New York Times

(iv) Number of persons in party.

Cornell University

You have the requisite number of persons involved in logistics.

Stanford University

The number of persons afflicted by dementia has increased steadily.

Social Science & Medicine

We have identified a number of persons who represented a threat to the United States".

The New York Times

This is therefore (temporarily?) inflating the real number of persons online.

The Guardian - Tech

Mentions the names of a number of persons involved in the handling of returning troops.

The New Yorker

The number of persons fleeing has gone down in the last couple of years.

The New Yorker

Quotes the opinions of a number of persons interviewed by the writer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally or scientifically, prefer "number of persons" over more casual alternatives like "number of people" for enhanced precision and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "number of persons" in informal writing. Instead, opt for more natural alternatives like "number of people" or "how many people" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "number of persons" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies a group of people, and Ludwig's examples show its versatility in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "number of persons" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for quantifying groups of people. As Ludwig highlights, it is most appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, where precision is valued. While alternatives like "number of people" exist, "number of persons" maintains a higher level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure verb agreement with "number" and avoid overuse in casual settings. The phrase is common in scientific articles, news reports, and academic research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quantity of individuals

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and "persons" with "individuals", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

count of people

Substitutes "persons" with the more common term "people", making it less formal.

total of individuals

Uses "total" instead of "number", focusing on the aggregate.

population size

Employs a demographic term to refer to the "number of persons" in a specific area or group.

body count

Implies a tally of deceased individuals, which drastically changes the original meaning and context.

census figure

Specifically refers to the "number of persons" recorded in a census.

headcount

Is a concise term referring to the "number of persons" present, often used in professional environments.

demographic statistics

Broader term including various aspects of a population including "number of persons".

attendance record

Specifies the "number of persons" present at a particular event or location.

personnel strength

Relates to the "number of persons" employed in a specific organization or unit.

FAQs

What is the difference between "number of persons" and "number of people"?

While both phrases refer to a count of individuals, "number of persons" is typically considered more formal and is often used in legal, scientific, or official contexts. "Number of people" is more common in everyday language.

When is it appropriate to use "number of persons" instead of "number of individuals"?

The phrase "number of persons" is preferred in formal or legal settings where precision is important. "Number of individuals" is generally interchangeable but can sometimes sound less formal or more clinical, depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "number of persons" that I can use in less formal writing?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "count of people", "total number of people", or simply "how many people".

How can I use "number of persons" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the verb agrees with "number". For example, "The number of persons affected by the disease is increasing." Here, "is" agrees with "number", not with "persons".