some people

USAGE SUMMARY

"some people" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "some people" whenever you are trying to reference a group of people that is not specific or defined in any way. Example: Some people believe that music has the power to heal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some people!

The New York Times

Some people disagree.

The New York Times - Arts

Some people applauded.

The New Yorker

"Some people," Zoe said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some people, they kill.

Independent

Some people have none".

The New York Times

"Some people stood.

The New Yorker

"Some people were panicking.

The New York Times

"Some people can't see.

The New York Times

Some people love us.

The New York Times

Except some people do.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some people", ensure the context makes it clear who you are referring to, even if they are not specifically defined. This prevents confusion and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "some people" to make sweeping statements without sufficient evidence. This can lead to inaccurate generalizations and weaken your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some people" functions as a determiner + noun, specifically a quantifier indicating an unspecified subset of a larger group. It is frequently used to introduce opinions, actions, or characteristics attributed to a non-specific collective, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some people" is a versatile and commonly used expression to refer to an unspecified group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across numerous contexts, particularly in news and media. While useful for generalizations, it's important to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "certain individuals" or "a number of people". By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "some people" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some individuals

A slightly more formal version emphasizing each person.

a number of people

This alternative is slightly more specific about quantity compared to "some people".

certain individuals

This alternative provides a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing the individuality of those being referenced.

a few individuals

This alternative specifies a small number of people.

certain members

This alternative is appropriate when referring to members of a specific group or organization.

several persons

Offers a slightly stronger emphasis on a small number, formal.

various persons

This alternative is more formal and general, suitable for official or written contexts.

a select few

Implies a small, possibly privileged, group of people.

a section of the population

This alternative refers to a subset of a larger group, useful when discussing societal trends.

a proportion of individuals

Emphasizes that those referred to represent just a portion of a total set of people.

FAQs

How can I use "some people" in a sentence?

Use "some people" to refer to an unspecified group when expressing opinions, actions, or characteristics. For example, "Some people prefer coffee over tea."

What's the difference between "some people" and "many people"?

"Some people" refers to a smaller, less defined group, while "many people" indicates a larger, more substantial number. The choice depends on the scale you want to imply.

Are there more formal alternatives to "some people"?

Yes, alternatives like "certain individuals", "a number of people", or "various persons" can be used in more formal contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "some people"?

It's best to avoid "some people" when you need to be specific about the group you're discussing or when making broad, unsupported claims. Always aim for clarity and accuracy in your statements.