If you've ever had doubts about whether you should say "people is" or "people are", you're not alone. Even native English speakers get confused about this issue. Why is that? The answer has to do with specific grammatical rules and how we understand the word "people". But before we get into the details, I want you to think about something: why are you so sure that you use this word correctly in your everyday conversations?
Why does the confusion between "people is" and "people are" arise?
The confusion over whether we should say "people is" or "people are" stems from the fact that "people" is a word that looks singular, but is actually plural. To understand this better, let's break down some basic concepts of English grammar.
What does "people" mean?
"People" is the plural of "person". Although "person" is singular and refers to a single person, "people" is used to refer to a group of people. For example:
- One person **Singular:** One person
- Plural:** Many people
Therefore, since "people" is plural, the general rule is that you should use a plural verb with "people".
So why do we sometimes hear "people is"?
The use of "people is" occurs more in specific and often incorrect contexts. Some people may confuse "people" with a collective noun, which in certain cases could use a singular verb. However, this does not apply here.
For example, when we talk about a team or a family, which are collective nouns, you could say "The team is winning" or "The family is large". But "people" does not work in the same way because it refers directly to a group of individuals, not to a collective entity acting as a single body.
The golden rule: "People are".
To be clear and avoid mistakes, the golden rule is that you should always say "people are". Here are some examples:
- Incorrect:** *People is waiting for the bus.** **Incorrect:** *People is waiting for the bus.
- Correct:** *People are waiting for the bus.** *People are waiting for the bus.
- Incorrect:** *People is friendly in this town.** *People is friendly in this town.** *People is friendly in this town.
- Right: *People are friendly in this town.
As you can see, using "are" is appropriate because "people" is plural.
Exceptions to the rule
Although the general rule is to use "are" with "people", there are some exceptions in very specific contexts of formal or literary English where you might see "people is" used. This usage is extremely rare and is generally not recommended for learners.
In some ancient or literary texts, "people" can refer to a nation or ethnic group in the singular. In these cases, you might find phrases like "The people is sovereign," where "people" is understood as a collective unit. However, this usage is archaic and is rarely found in everyday English.
Tips to improve your English
Understanding the difference between "people is" and "people are" is only a small part of learning. If you work in a company, especially one with a global reach, mastering the language can be crucial. Whether you're in sales, marketing or an executive position, good communication in English can open many doors.
English is the global language par excellence. Many companies, especially multinationals, use English as their main language, even if their headquarters are in a country where it is not the native language. Understanding it will not only help you communicate with clients and colleagues around the world, but will also improve your career opportunities.
At Global 4 Languages We understand that learning a new language can be a challenge, but we also know that it is a valuable investment, especially in the business environment. We offer in-company English courses customised that are adapted to the needs of companies, helping their employees not only to learn English, but also to master it in professional contexts.
Whether you need to improve your grammar, such as understanding the correct use of "people is" versus "people are", or you want to improve your fluency in business conversations, Global 4 Idiomas has the tools and staff to help you achieve your goals.
To improve it, here are some additional tips:
- **Practice every day:** Constant practice is key to improving in any language. Spend at least 15 minutes a day reading, writing or speaking English.
- **Listen and repeat:** Listening to conversations in English, whether through films, series or podcasts, and repeating what you hear, can help you improve your pronunciation and comprehension.
- **Write daily:** Try to write a small diary in English. This will not only improve your grammar, but will also help you to think in English.
- **One-to-one tuition: **Tutoring with an experienced tutor can help you overcome specific obstacles and learn at your own pace.
Knowing when to use "people is" or "people are" is fundamental to speaking English correctly. Remember that "people" is plural, so it must always be accompanied by a plural verb, such as "are". While there are very rare exceptions, following this rule will help you avoid common mistakes.
And if you work in a global company or aspire to do so, improving your English is an essential skill. We are here to help you achieve the fluency and confidence you need to succeed in any professional environment.
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