Fluther: Why do most maximum occupancy signs say "'x' persons" instead of ...

Why do most maximum occupancy signs say "'x' persons" instead of "'x' people?"?

Asked by dingus108 (233

) August 23rd, 2009
10 responses
“Great Question” (0

)

I’m at a Chinese restaurant, and the sign says, “maximum room capacity 60 persons.” Why is it persons instead of people?

Follow this question

Send to a friend!

Topics: restaurants, grammar, signs, capacity, room capacity

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

Answers

I have always wondered this, and I still have yet to find an answer :[

AlyxCaitlin (936

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Because one counts individuals, not groups. “People” is a collective noun.

dpworkin (27085

)“Great Answer” (2

)

But 60 is a collective amount (plural)... So wouldn’t the sign company assume that there will always be more than one person? That would be funny if a restaurant actually made the max capacity one.. :D

dingus108 (233

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Because those signs are written by lawyers and not writers.

marinelife (62485

)“Great Answer” (0

)

I believe what @pdworkin is saying is that a person is an individual and a people is a group of persons. And then @Marina‘s answer comes into play. If a place claims its capacity is 60 people, and it turns out that they can’t fit all the individuals of 60 different ages, races, religions, etc. into their building, there could be legal issues.

MacBean (19063

)“Great Answer” (0

)

Thanks, @MacBean

dpworkin (27085

)“Great Answer” (0

)