persons speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "persons speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to individuals who are currently engaged in conversation or dialogue. Example: "In the debate, the persons speaking presented their arguments clearly and effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Personal pronouns pick out the persons speaking, spoken to, and spoken about; but some languages make different distinctions in their pronouns from those made in English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These differences found linguistic expression in distinct styles of speech that shifted according to status differences between the persons speaking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Idiolect, which I slipped in above and you were too lazy to look up, is defined as "the speech characteristics of a particular person as contrasted with those of other persons speaking the same language".

The New York Times - Magazine

"The persons speaking with the customers, unfortunately, do not appear to know why a particular action was taken, and, I assume, from articles such as yours and complaints I have received, that lenders do not do a very good job of explaining it either.

Huffington Post

The postal areas 4223 and 4280 have lower population densities and lower proportions of persons speaking other languages at home.

BMC Public Health

In particular in environments where we try to understand one talker among multiple persons speaking at the same time, the capacities of the auditory system are stretched to the limit.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At the moment, I am just a person, speaking.

The Guardian

"A dishonour as much for the person speaking as the person being spoken about," Le Pen added.

The Guardian

"What did you say?" the black student asked the person speaking to him.

Independent

"Any person speaking on any given night could speak again as vice president".

The New York Times

He is both shy and forceful in person, speaking in a commanding, slightly husky voice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific group actively engaged in conversation, use "persons speaking" to maintain a formal and slightly detached tone. This phrase is suitable for reports, analyses, or legal documentation where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "persons speaking" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts; instead, opt for more natural alternatives such as "people talking" or simply "speakers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persons speaking" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies individuals actively engaged in the act of speaking or conversing, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "persons speaking" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit somewhat formal. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, highlighting its presence in encyclopedias, news, and scientific publications. While "persons speaking" serves to identify individuals actively engaged in conversation, it's crucial to be mindful of the context, avoiding its use in casual settings where more common alternatives like "people talking" would be more appropriate. When opting for "persons speaking", writers should aim for formal and objective language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people talking

Replaces "persons" with the more common and informal "people", making the phrase more conversational.

speakers

A more concise term that refers to the individuals who are speaking.

the speaking parties

A more formal synonym of "people talking".

individuals conversing

Substitutes both "persons" and "speaking" with more formal alternatives, increasing the phrase's formality.

those who speak

Uses a relative clause to describe the individuals, offering a slightly more descriptive and formal tone.

those engaged in dialogue

Replaces "speaking" with "engaged in dialogue" to highlight the interactive nature of the conversation.

the speakers present

Adds the element of presence, implying a specific group of speakers at a particular location or event.

communicating individuals

Focuses on the act of communication rather than merely speaking, broadening the scope slightly.

parties involved in the discussion

Significantly alters the structure to emphasize involvement in a discussion rather than the act of speaking itself, suitable in a formal context.

the voices heard

Shifts the focus to the act of hearing the speakers, suitable if emphasizing the reception of the speech.

FAQs

What's the difference between "persons speaking" and "people talking"?

"Persons speaking" is more formal and less common than "people talking". Use "persons speaking" in formal writing or reports, while "people talking" is suitable for everyday conversation. The phrase "people talking" is more generic.

Is "persons speaking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "persons speaking" is grammatically correct, although it's considered more formal and less frequently used than alternatives like "people speaking".

When should I use "persons speaking" instead of "speakers"?

While both refer to those who are speaking, "persons speaking" emphasizes the ongoing action, whereas "speakers" refers to them as a group. Use "persons speaking" when the act of speaking is more important than the identity of "the speakers".

What are some alternatives to "persons speaking" that sound less formal?

Less formal alternatives include "people talking", "those speaking", or simply "speakers". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.