two persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'two persons' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like: "Two persons were seen leaving the scene in an unmarked van."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These two persons will be released.

The New York Times

"She said she admired only two persons.

The Guardian - Film

Two persons can fly simultaneiously on one machine.

The New Yorker

The court thereafter excused two persons and the questioning continued.

Cornell University

Two persons, who knew the participant well, completed a questionnaire.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

The boat could only carry two persons at a time.

The New York Times

"We've detained two persons related to the case," he said.

The New York Times

Police say they have two persons of interest in custody.

The New York Times

You could really do it with just two persons in the room".

The New York Times

"No two persons ever read the same book," said Edmund Wilson.

The Guardian - Music

Next time it will be the choice between different parties rather than two persons," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two persons" in formal or legal contexts where precision is important. In everyday conversation, "two people" is generally preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "two persons" in informal settings; it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for the more common and approachable "two people" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two persons" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific quantity of individuals, often in a formal or legal setting. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two persons" is grammatically sound but carries a more formal tone compared to the common alternative, "two people". Ludwig AI confirms that "two persons" is valid and its use is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic sources. When deciding between "two persons" and other similar phrases such as "a pair of individuals", it's crucial to consider the context and desired level of formality. For everyday conversation, "two people" remains the preferred choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two people

More general and widely used alternative.

two individuals

More formal and direct.

a pair of individuals

More formal and emphasizes individuality.

both individuals

Emphasizes that both are being considered.

a couple of people

More casual and common in everyday conversation.

two subjects

Formal, frequently used in legal or research contexts.

a duo of people

Highlights the pair as a unit, often in creative or professional contexts.

a party of two

Used in restaurant or hospitality contexts.

two entities

Very formal, suggesting distinct and independent units.

a brace of people

Archaic and less common; implies a linked or hunted pair.

FAQs

How does the formality of "two persons" compare to "two people"?

"Two persons" is generally considered more formal and is often used in legal, official, or highly precise contexts. "Two people", on the other hand, is more common and appropriate for everyday conversation and less formal writing.

When is it more appropriate to use "two persons" instead of "two people"?

Use "two persons" when the context requires a higher degree of formality or precision, such as in legal documents, official reports, or scientific studies. In general conversation, "two people" is preferred.

What are some alternative phrases to "two persons" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a pair of individuals", "two individuals", or "a couple of people".

Is "two persons" grammatically correct, or should I always use "two people"?

"Two persons" is grammatically correct, but its usage is less frequent and more formal than "two people". Both are acceptable, but choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.