This People vs. These People – Which is Correct?

The choice between “this people” and “these people” hinges on whether “people” is used as a singular collective noun referring to a nation or ethnic group, or as a plural noun referring to multiple individuals. “This people” correctly refers to a single, unified group, taking a singular verb. “These people” refers to multiple individual persons and takes a plural verb. Both phrases are grammatically correct, depending on the intended meaning.

This People or These People – Which is Correct?

Both “this people” and “these people” are grammatically correct, but their usage depends entirely on the specific meaning of the word “people” in context. The key distinction lies in whether you are referring to a single, unified group (a nation, tribe, or distinct community) or to multiple individual persons.

When “people” refers to a nation, tribe, or ethnic group, it functions as a singular collective noun. In this case, it should be paired with the singular demonstrative adjective “this,” and the verb used with it should also be singular (e.g., “This people has a rich history”).

Conversely, when “people” refers to multiple individual persons (the most common usage), it functions as a plural noun. In this instance, it must be paired with the plural demonstrative adjective “these,” and it will take a plural verb (e.g., “These people are waiting for the bus”).

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To easily remember the difference, apply the basic rule for “this” and “these” with other nouns. “This” is used with singular nouns (this book, this car), and “these” is used with plural nouns (these books, these cars). Extend this logic to “people”:

• If “people” means “a nation” (singular concept), use “this people.”
• If “people” means “multiple individuals” (plural concept), use “these people.”

Think of it as: “This nation” vs. “These individuals.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
This people	Demonstrative Adjective + Collective Noun	Refers to a single nation, ethnic group, or community	“This people has a rich and ancient history.”
These people	Demonstrative Adjective + Plural Noun	Refers to multiple individual persons	“These people are waiting patiently for the show to begin.”

How to Use This People

The phrase “this people” is used when you intend to refer to a single, unified collective entity such as a nation, tribe, or a distinct ethnic group. In this context, “people” functions as a singular collective noun, meaning it represents many individuals acting or being considered as one unit. Consequently, it requires a singular verb.

This usage is often found in historical, anthropological, or formal contexts when discussing the characteristics, history, or culture of a specific group as a whole. It emphasizes the singularity and distinct identity of the group.

Example 1: “Throughout centuries, this people has maintained its unique customs and language.”

Example 2: “The ancient texts describe the struggles and triumphs of this people in great detail.”

Example 3: “The government’s policies were designed to protect the heritage of this people.”

Etymology of the word This People

The word “this” comes from Old English þis, which was the neuter form of the demonstrative pronoun and adjective þes (masculine) and þeos (feminine). It indicates something singular and near in space or time. The word “people” derives from the Old French peple or poeple, which itself came from the Latin populus, meaning “a people, nation; multitude, crowd.” When used as a collective noun in “this people,” it retains the sense of populus as a unified nation or group.

How to Use These People

The phrase “these people” is used when you are referring to multiple individual persons. In this, its most common usage, “people” functions as a plural noun, serving as the plural form of “person.” It therefore requires a plural verb.

This usage is appropriate in everyday conversation and writing when discussing a group of individuals whose specific identity as a unified nation or tribe is not the primary focus. It simply points to several individuals who are present or being discussed.

Example 1: “Could you please tell these people that the meeting is starting soon?”

Example 2: “I saw these people volunteering at the local shelter last weekend.”

Example 3: “The survey results indicate that these people are concerned about economic stability.”

Etymology of the word These People

The word “these” comes from the Old English þās, which was the plural form of the demonstrative pronoun and adjective þes (“this”). It indicates multiple items or individuals near in space or time. The word “people” derives from the Old French peple or poeple, from the Latin populus (“a people, nation; multitude, crowd”). In the context of “these people,” it emphasizes the “multitude” or “crowd” aspect, referring to individuals within that group rather than the group as a single entity.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts can clarify why “this people” and “these people” are both correct but distinct.

• Demonstrative Adjectives: Words like “this,” “that,” “these,” and “those” are demonstrative adjectives when they modify a noun. They indicate which specific item or items are being referred to and also convey proximity. “This” and “these” refer to items or individuals that are near; “this” is singular, and “these” is plural.
• Collective Nouns: These are nouns that refer to a group of individuals or things as a single unit (e.g., team, family, flock, audience). “People” can function as a collective noun when it denotes a nation, tribe, or distinct community, in which case it takes a singular verb and can be modified by “this.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes: And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.'” (Exodus 19:10-11, King James Bible) – Here, “the people” refers to the nation of Israel. If Moses were speaking directly to them as a unified entity, he might say “this people.”
• “The documentary explored the ancient rituals and societal structures of this people, a civilization lost to time.” (Historical analysis)
• “It was clear that these people, having traveled far, were in dire need of assistance.” (News report on refugees)
• “We must listen to the concerns of these people if we are to truly represent their interests.” (Political speech)
• “He dedicated his life to studying the traditions of this people, documenting their stories for future generations.” (Biographical account of an anthropologist)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. (This / These) people have lived on this sacred land for millennia, preserving their unique culture.
2. I saw (this / these) people waiting in line for tickets to the concert.
3. The museum exhibit beautifully showcases the artistic heritage of (this / these) people.
4. Could you please inform (this / these) people that the restaurant is closing in thirty minutes?
5. Despite facing numerous challenges, (this / these) people continues to thrive and maintain its identity.

Answer Key

1. This
2. These
3. This
4. These
5. This

This People Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Nation	A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory.
Tribe	A group of people, often of related families, who live together and share the same language, culture, and history.
Community	A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
Populace	The people living in a particular country or area.
Ethnic group	A community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.

These People Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Individuals	Separate, distinct persons.
Persons	Human beings; individuals (plural of person).
Folks	People in general (informal).
Citizens	Legally recognized subjects or nationals of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized.
Inhabitants	A person or animal that lives in or occupies a place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “people” be singular?
Yes, “people” can be a singular collective noun when it refers to a nation, tribe, or distinct ethnic group as a single, unified entity. In this context, it takes a singular verb (e.g., “This people is resilient”).

Question 2: When should I use “this” with “people”?
You should use “this people” when you are referring to a single, unified group, nation, or ethnic community, treating “people” as a singular collective noun. This usage emphasizes the collective identity and singularity of the group.

Question 3: When should I use “these” with “people”?
You should use “these people” when you are referring to multiple individual persons. This is the more common usage of “people” as a plural noun, and it always takes a plural verb.

Conclusion

The distinction between “this people” and “these people” lies in how “people” is being interpreted: as a singular collective noun denoting a nation or tribe, or as a plural noun referring to individual persons. “This people” correctly identifies a unified group, while “these people” points to multiple individuals. Understanding this nuance is crucial for precise communication. A good rule of thumb is to consider if you could substitute “nation” (for “this people”) or “individuals” (for “these people”) without changing the core meaning. Using the correct phrase demonstrates a clear understanding of grammatical rules and enhances your credibility as a communicator.