What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
people
Example
People are generally good at adapting to new situations. [people: noun]
Example
The people of this town are very friendly. [people: noun]
Example
Young people are often more tech-savvy than older generations. [young people: noun phrase]
population
Example
The population of this city has grown significantly in the past decade. [population: noun]
Example
The elderly population is expected to increase in the coming years. [elderly population: noun phrase]
Example
The government is concerned about the declining population in rural areas. [population: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
People is more commonly used than population in everyday language. People is a versatile term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while population is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between people and population?
Population is more formal than people and is commonly used in academic or technical contexts. People is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
