some persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a subject or object in a sentence to refer to a group of people that is not specified or known. Example: Some persons believe that the new policy will benefit the company, while others are skeptical about its effectiveness.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we wanted to stop and search someone or some persons, we would stop and search.

The New York Times

Not your average New York cocksmith, like some persons I could name.

The New Yorker

Some persons will be uprooted from homes they have occupied for many years.

The New Yorker

Some persons felt that the second satellite puts the United States deeper in the doghouse.

The New Yorker

Brief recognition of some persons who have recently shown a pronounced inclination to play safe.

The New Yorker

Some persons travel for religious purposes on pilgrimages to sites of special significance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some persons who practice cross-dressing keep their behaviour a secret because of negative societal connotations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recent incidents which would seem to demonstrate the inability of some persons.

The New Yorker

The enzymes may present a toxic hazard to some persons habitually exposed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"When brought into a house the smell is often so offensive that some persons can never bear to taste it.

The Guardian

The observation that some persons do not book GP appointments for themselves should not make them non-persons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "some persons" when a more formal or detached tone is desired, especially in legal, academic, or official contexts. Be aware that it can sound dated in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "some persons" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more common alternatives like "some people" or "some individuals" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some persons" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, it refers to an unspecified subset of a larger group of individuals. The phrase introduces a level of formality and detachment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some persons" is grammatically sound but leans toward a formal register. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, highlighting its usage across encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While acceptable, consider the context and audience, as modern alternatives like "some people" or "some individuals" might be more appropriate for informal settings. When choosing "some persons", aim for objectivity and precision in your writing, recognizing its potential to sound dated in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some individuals

Replaces "persons" with the slightly more modern and common "individuals".

certain individuals

Emphasizes a specific, though not explicitly identified, group of people.

some people

A more common and informal alternative to "some persons".

a few individuals

Indicates a smaller, more limited number of people.

several individuals

Implies more than a few but not a large number of people.

various individuals

Highlights the diversity or variety of the people being referred to.

a number of people

A more descriptive way to indicate an unspecified quantity of people.

certain people

Similar to "certain individuals", implies a specific but unnamed group.

some members

Refers to a subset of people belonging to a specific group or organization.

a selection of people

Suggests that the people being referred to have been chosen from a larger group.

FAQs

What is the difference between "some persons" and "some people"?

While both phrases refer to an unspecified group of individuals, "some persons" is considered more formal and less common in everyday speech than "some people".

When is it appropriate to use "some persons"?

"Some persons" is appropriate in formal writing, legal documents, or academic contexts where a more detached and objective tone is desired. Consider alternatives like "some individuals" or "certain individuals" for a similar but slightly more modern feel.

Is "some persons" grammatically correct?

Yes, "some persons" is grammatically correct, although it may sound dated to modern ears. It functions as a plural noun phrase, referring to an unspecified number of people.

Are there more modern alternatives to "some persons"?

Yes, more modern and commonly used alternatives include "some people", "some individuals", or "certain individuals". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and context.