This People or These People: Which Is Correct? Find Out Here!

Navigating the nuances of English grammar can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Even native speakers occasionally stumble over common phrases, leading to moments of doubt. One such area that often causes confusion is the correct usage of demonstrative pronouns and their agreement with the noun “people.”

The question of whether to use “this people” or “these people” is a recurring one, and understanding the distinction is key to clear and accurate communication. It boils down to whether we are referring to a singular collective or a plural group.

Understanding Singular vs. Plural in English

English grammar relies heavily on the concept of number, distinguishing between singular (one) and plural (more than one). This distinction affects verb conjugation, pronoun usage, and the form of nouns themselves.

Demonstrative pronouns—like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those”—are particularly sensitive to number. They are used to point out or identify specific nouns, and their form must match the number of the noun they modify.

When the noun is singular, we use the singular demonstratives (“this” for things near, “that” for things far). When the noun is plural, we use the plural demonstratives (“these” for things near, “those” for things far).

The Nature of the Noun “People”

The word “people” is a fascinating case in English grammar. It is inherently a plural noun.

The singular form, referring to a single human being, is “person.” Therefore, when we refer to more than one individual, we use “people.”

This inherent plurality of “people” is the crucial factor in determining the correct demonstrative pronoun to use alongside it.

“This People” vs. “These People”: The Grammatical Rule

Given that “people” is always plural, the grammatically correct demonstrative pronoun to use with it is the plural form: “these.”

Consequently, the phrase “these people” is the standard and grammatically sound choice in most contexts.

The phrase “this people” is generally considered incorrect in standard English when referring to multiple individuals.

When “This People” Might Seem Applicable (and Why It’s Still Usually Wrong)

There are rare instances where “this people” might be encountered, often in older texts or specific idiomatic expressions. These instances usually treat “people” as a singular collective noun, akin to a nation or a unified group with a shared identity.

For example, in historical or religious contexts, one might find phrases like “this people of Israel” or “this people who have known God.” Here, “people” refers to a singular, cohesive entity—a nation or a specific community treated as a single unit.

However, in contemporary, everyday English, applying “this” to “people” is highly unusual and often flagged as an error. The overwhelming convention is to use “these people.”

The Singular Collective Noun Exception

While “people” is typically plural, certain nouns that refer to a group can sometimes be treated as singular collective nouns. Examples include “team,” “family,” “committee,” or “government.”

These nouns can take either singular or plural verbs and pronouns depending on whether the focus is on the group as a single unit or on the individual members within the group.

However, “people” does not usually function in this way in modern English. Its grammatical number is almost universally treated as plural.

Practical Usage and Examples

Let’s look at some practical examples to solidify the understanding.

Consider a scenario where you are observing a crowd. You might point and say, “Look at these people enjoying the festival.”

If you are discussing a specific group you encountered, you would say, “These people were incredibly helpful during the event.”

Contrast this with the incorrect usage: “Look at this people enjoying the festival.” This sounds awkward and grammatically incorrect to most English speakers.

Regional and Dialectal Variations

Language is fluid and can vary significantly across regions and dialects. While standard English dictates “these people,” some non-standard dialects might occasionally use “this people.”

It’s important to be aware of these variations, but for formal writing and clear, universally understood communication, adhering to the standard rule is advisable.

These variations often reflect different grammatical structures or historical linguistic developments within specific communities.

The Importance of Agreement

Subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement are fundamental principles of grammar that ensure clarity and coherence.

Using the correct demonstrative pronoun (“these” with “people”) maintains this agreement, making your sentences flow logically and sound natural.

Disregarding these agreement rules can lead to confusion or give the impression of a lack of grammatical proficiency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is using “this” with “people” simply because “people” can sometimes refer to a single, albeit abstract, concept like “mankind” or a specific cultural group treated as a singular entity.

Another pitfall is overthinking the issue and trying to apply rules for collective nouns inappropriately to “people.”

Remember, “person” is singular, and “people” is plural. Stick to this fundamental distinction.

When to Use “This Person” or “That Person”

To further clarify, let’s consider the singular forms.

If you are referring to one individual, you would correctly use “this person” (if they are near or present) or “that person” (if they are further away or have been previously mentioned).

For example, “This person standing here is my colleague,” or “That person over there is the speaker.”

This reinforces the singular-plural distinction that is so critical.

The Role of Context

Context is king in language. While the general rule is “these people,” understanding the specific context can sometimes illuminate why an unusual phrasing might appear.

However, even in contexts referring to a unified group, like a nation, modern usage strongly favors “these people” over “this people.”

It is always safer and more conventional to use “these people” unless you are deliberately quoting archaic text or engaging in a highly specialized linguistic discussion.

“This Group” or “These Groups”

To avoid confusion, consider alternative phrasing if the singular collective sense is strongly intended.

Instead of “this people,” one could opt for “this group,” “this nation,” “this community,” or “this population.” These phrases clearly signal a singular collective noun.

If referring to multiple distinct groups, then “these groups” or “those groups” would be appropriate.

This provides a clear grammatical path without resorting to the problematic “this people.”

Historical Linguistic Perspective

Historically, language has evolved, and the treatment of nouns has shifted. What might have been acceptable in Old English or Middle English may not be standard today.

The word “people” itself derives from Old French “peuple,” which could be used in both singular and plural senses. Over time, English grammar has increasingly standardized “people” as a plural noun, with “person” serving as its singular counterpart.

This historical trajectory explains why older texts might use “this people” while modern usage overwhelmingly favors “these people.”

The Impact of Modern Usage

Modern English grammar guides and style manuals consistently recommend “these people” as the correct form.

Online dictionaries and grammar resources overwhelmingly support this convention.

Adhering to these modern standards ensures your writing is clear, correct, and easily understood by the widest audience.

Refining Your Language

By understanding the inherent plurality of the word “people,” you can confidently choose the correct demonstrative pronoun.

This grammatical precision enhances the clarity and professionalism of your communication.

Make it a habit to use “these people” in all your standard English writing and speech.