I have spoken to plenty of people who istead of saying person for singular, and people for plural; they say person and persons.
Even some English teachers in other countries (they're not native English speakers) that I've met, say persons. 'There will be two persons', and I find that wrong.
If it is correct I apologise, but tell me whether it is or not, and what you think.
it is instead, not istead, sorry.
Even in this very forum, there is a topic called 'Names of persons and places.'
I am not sure of the correct usage, but I think it is silly to say "persons" for "people."
In my opinion that using of the word “persons” is not grammatically wrong; but I believe that it is somewhat not usual. I use the word “people” instead of “persons”, it looks much better, I guess.
I just wanted to add that you might find “persons” in plural nouns such as “persons using radio or television”.
`Persons' reeks of beaurocracy and pseudo-intellectualism. Used by the same people who mistakenly say things like "Please speak to Mr. Smith or myself."
There's no reason to use it, except when it occurs in a set phrase, such as "person or persons unknown."
My teachers(British and North American) have always told us to use 'people' as the plural for 'person'.
He's just the person we need.
People drive very badly in this country.
'Persons' is mostly used in legal language and other formal or written contexts :
holiday apartements accommodating 1-6 'persons'.
'Persons' under the age of 18 are not admitted.
(grammar) The first person 'I/we' refers to the person(s) speaking.
(law) She was accused of conspiring with (a) person or 'persons' unknown.
David Bosch
Why did you mention the 'Names of persons and places''s topic ? Is there something interesting about it ?
>>>Even in this very forum, there is a topic called 'Names of persons and places>>>
No, I even haven't taken a look at it, lol; I mentioned it because the title of the topic carries the word 'persons'.
... Does it mean that 'people' is rather used for talking about masses or groups whereas 'persons' is more used for talking about several individuals?
(Note: i am not quite sure whether 'individuals' is a word expressing 'individual people', just that I did not want to use the word 'people' there, because it would be more confusing, lol)
In certain formal or legal contexts the word "persons" is used with a meaning distinct from "people". like David suggests, it is used (as far as I know) to indicate that your speaking about individuals as opposed to a group. Outside such contexts I find the use silly, unnecessary, irritating & wrong.
http://www.dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=59039&dict=CALD
Is it not right then to use the noun phrase “persons using radio” indicating a number of radio listeners?
Use "persons" when writing something formal or making a very formal speech (i.e. as a judge).
Use "people" when talking under most circumstances and when writing informally.
Also "people" has its own meaning. Don't say "the persons of America, salute their leader".
Use 'people' as the plural for 'person'.
He's just the person we need.
People drive very badly in this country.
'Persons' is mostly used in legal language and other formal or written contexts :
holiday apartements accommodating 1-6 'persons'.
'Persons' under the age of 18 are not admitted.
(grammar) The first person 'I/we' refers to the person(s) speaking.
(law) She was accused of conspiring with (a) person or 'persons' unknown.