Clarifying Use of 'All the Persons' in English Grammar

When it comes to using the phrase "All the persons are" in English, many people are unsure of the correct sentence structure and the appropriate use of collective nouns. This article will help you understand when it is correct to use "all the persons are" and when alternatives such as "all of them are" and "they are all" are more appropriate.

Understanding Collective Nouns

A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people or things. For instance, "staff," "committee," and "group." Generally, collective nouns are treated as singular when they refer to the entire group, and as plural when referring to individual members of the group. However, the specific usage can vary depending on the context and whether the speaker is referring to individuals or the group as a whole.

Correct Usage of "All the Persons Are"

The phrase "all the persons are" can be correct, but its appropriateness depends on the context and the intended meaning. If "person" is being used to refer to an individual in the plural form, then "all the persons are" is grammatically correct. Here's an example of when it might be used:

Example: "All the person are invited to the meeting." This usage is unconventional and might not be the most common, but it is grammatically correct as "person" is the plural form of "person."

Evaluating "All of Them Are" vs. "All the Persons Are"

In many cases, especially in spoken language or casual writing, "all of them are" is a more commonly used and natural-sounding alternative. "All of them are" clearly refers to a group, making it easier to understand when you are dealing with a group of individuals or items. For example:

Example: "Are they all good students?" "Yes, all of them are."

In this context, "all of them" is more easily understood because it clearly indicates that multiple individuals are being referred to. The phrase "all the persons are" would be less natural because it does not clarify whether you are referring to individuals or the group as a whole.

Examples and Contexts

Here are a few more examples to help clarify the usage of the phrase "all the persons are":

Example 1: "They all are good students." This is another acceptable way to refer to a group of individuals. Using "they all" instead of "all the persons" can be more concise and natural. Example 2: "All the office persons are travelling in a single van." In this context, the term "persons" is used to refer to employees or staff members of an organization. The sentence is grammatically correct because "persons" is functioning as a plural noun, and the verb "are travelling" (plural) matches it. Example 3: "The staff are all meeting in the conference room." Here, "staff" is treated as a singular collective noun, and the verb "are meeting" is plural, showing that it refers to a group of people.

It's important to consider the context and the intended meaning when choosing between "all the persons are," "all of them are," and "they are all." While "all the persons are" can be correct in certain contexts, "all of them are" is often more natural and easier to understand.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of collective nouns and correct sentence structure in English can help you communicate more effectively. Remember that while "all the persons are" can be correct in specific contexts, alternatives like "all of them are" and "they are all" are often more natural and easier to understand in casual or formal settings.