which persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which persons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific people or things out of a larger group. For example: "The study surveyed 500 people, of which persons were aged between 18 and 29."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The procedures removed all personal identifiers and, hence, registry staff was blinded to which persons had been linked.

British Journal of Cancer

Since the system operated under procedures that removed all personal identifiers, the staffs of each type of registry were blinded to which persons had been linked.

British Journal of Cancer

The writer goes on playing this game of which persons with the same first names were responsible for certain things.

The New Yorker

2. Research the events that led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority, including what treaties were created and which persons were involved.

The New York Times

Second, borrowing avoids the adverse effects that taxes may have on incentives, particularly if the taxes are raised sharply above levels to which persons have become accustomed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The name was taken from a town near Liège, Belg., to which persons traveled for the reputed curative properties of its mineral springs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may be viewed as a specialized part of public health medicine since its aim is to reduce the risks in the environment in which persons work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The equestrian rank, in which persons risen from military careers were often to be found, was the beneficiary of the new policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

PO'N The cliches about George Martin (the "fifth Beatle") are happily absent from this gentle film, in which persons from Macca to Michael Palin drop by to coax the producer's life story from him.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By suppressing the speech of manifold corporations, both for-profit and nonprofit, the Government prevents their voices and viewpoints from reaching the public and advising voters on which persons or entities are hostile to their interests.

The New Yorker

"If we should ever meet again, I would like to tell you some of my thoughts on what I have come to recognize as a kind of 'editorial blackmail,' in which persons say that if you reject a work . . .

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "which persons" is grammatically sound, consider using "which people" or "which individuals" for a more modern and universally accepted tone in general writing. Use "which persons" when a more formal or legalistic tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "which persons" in informal contexts. Opting for "which people" will make your writing sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which persons" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying or singling out certain individuals from a larger group. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, though it is considered relatively formal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which persons" is grammatically correct but relatively uncommon in modern English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's best suited for formal or legalistic contexts. For general writing, consider alternatives like "which people" or "which individuals" to maintain a more natural tone. Predominantly found in scientific, news media, and encyclopedic sources, its usage reflects a preference for precision and formality. Remember to avoid this phrase in informal settings to maintain a consistent and approachable style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what individuals

Replaces "persons" with the more common and neutral term "individuals".

what people

Substitutes the more formal "persons" with the everyday term "people".

which individuals

Employs a more standard and widely accepted alternative to "which persons".

who specifically

Shifts the focus to the identity of individuals with added emphasis.

identifying individuals

Focuses on the action of identifying specific individuals from a group.

determining who

Highlights the process of figuring out which people are involved.

specifying who

Emphasizes the act of making clear which individuals are meant.

pinpointing which people

Uses a more vivid verb to indicate identifying particular individuals.

ascertaining which individuals

Presents a more formal and investigative tone for identifying individuals.

knowing who

Focuses on the state of possessing information about specific individuals.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "which persons"?

The phrase "which persons" is suitable in formal writing, legal contexts, or when aiming for a distinctly formal tone. In more casual writing, consider using alternatives like "which people" or "which individuals".

Are there more common alternatives to "which persons"?

Yes, the phrases "which people" and "which individuals" are generally more common and widely accepted in contemporary English. They convey the same meaning without sounding overly formal.

How does "which persons" differ from "which people"?

The primary difference lies in formality. "Which persons" is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation compared to "which people", which is considered neutral and appropriate in most contexts.

Can I use "who" instead of "which persons"?

While "who" can often replace "which" when referring to people, the phrase "who specifically" implies a focus on identifying particular individuals. "Which persons" is used to single out members from a larger group.