some person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific person or group of people whose identity is not known but does not have to be specified. Example sentence: "Some person must have left the door unlocked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Formal (functional) authority  It represents a measure of influence of some person following from his formal position regardless of personal properties.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Some person or another gives us food".

The New Yorker

One day you're interviewing some person.

The Guardian

"With him, it's just some person in some place.

The New Yorker

"Some person has to take action and lead".

The New York Times

Some person or persons evidently had second thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Some person said something about our work in some sphere . . .

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Additionally, some person-related data (e.g. driving licence) and vehicle-related data (e.g. age and weight of the vehicle) would be useful in Swedish data.

European Transport Research Review

In summary, it appears that some person-centered interventions benefit residents and staff.

Clinical interventions in aging

It appears that some person-centered interventions might be associated with an increased risk of falls in aged-care residents.

Clinical interventions in aging

Some person-to-person transmission has been also reported [ 15, 16], but the main source of human infection with E. coli O157 H7 is contamination of food products.

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some person" when the identity of the individual is unknown, irrelevant, or when intentionally avoiding specificity. This phrasing is appropriate across a range of formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "some person" excessively in formal writing, as it can sound vague. Consider more precise language if the context requires greater clarity or a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some person" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in various sentence structures to refer to an unspecified individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote an unspecified individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across varied contexts. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the formality of the setting, opting for more precise language in professional or academic contexts where appropriate. The phrase is most often found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, and therefore can be considered appropriate for neutral to informal register. When clarity and specificity matter more, you may consider phrases such as "a particular person" or "an unspecified individual".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An unspecified person

Directly states the lack of specification.

A particular person

Similar to "a certain individual" but slightly less formal.

A certain individual

More formal and emphasizes the specificity of the individual while still keeping them unnamed.

Some individual or another

Combines "some" with the emphasis on nonspecificity, making it emphatic.

Someone or other

Emphasizes the lack of specific knowledge about the person.

A given person

Implies a hypothetical or arbitrary choice of a person for a situation.

An individual

More formal and generic term for a person.

A random person

Implies the person was chosen without any particular reason or connection.

A man or woman

Highlights the gender neutrality while keeping the person unspecified.

A human being

Emphasizes the person's humanity in a general sense.

FAQs

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

Use "some person" when you need to refer to an unspecified or unidentified individual. For example, "Some person left the door open last night."

What are some alternatives to "some person"?

Alternatives include "a certain individual", "an unspecified person", or "someone or other", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "some person" formal or informal?

"Some person" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's generally more common in neutral or informal settings. In very formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a particular person".

What does "some person" imply?

"Some person" implies that the identity of the individual is either unknown, unimportant, or being deliberately withheld. It focuses on the action or state of being associated with that person, rather than the person themselves.