What's the difference between ''people'' and ''persons''.

Goo   Tuesday, April 06, 2004, 03:27 GMT
What's the difference between ''people'' and ''persons''. ''Persons'' sounds crazy to me when used outside of law writing.

Hello, One time I asked to use the restroom and there was doo-doo and feces thrown all over the walls and the policeman asked, Does it smell good enough for you in there?
Goo   Tuesday, April 06, 2004, 03:29 GMT
connie   Sunday, April 11, 2004, 11:58 GMT
i think of 'persons' as two or three. a small group anyhow. and people as alot more. i'm not sure.
Jim   Monday, April 12, 2004, 01:05 GMT
Connie,

This is not how the words are used or a least not if they're being used correctly. As Goo indicates "persons" is used in law. It is also used in other formal contexts. In these contexts there is a distinction made between "people" and "persons". The former would refer to a group as a whole whilst the latter to individuals. Unless context requires you to make such a distinction I suggest you avoid using the word "persons".
Belinda   Wednesday, April 14, 2004, 23:25 GMT
Try not to use the word 'Persons" unless you are creating some sort of formal or legal documentation.