individuals

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Single people, considered separately from a group or society.

   Grammar: Plural of individual: many individuals.

   Patterns

   • individuals who do something

   The program helps individuals find work.

   Individuals have the right to privacy.

   Several individuals complained about the noise.

2. 2nounplural

   Persons of a particular, often unusual, type.

   Grammar: Often with an adjective before it.

   Patterns

   • adjective + individuals

   She works with talented individuals from many countries.

   The club attracts curious individuals.

3. 3nounpluralbiology

   Single animals or plants counted as separate members of a species.

   Grammar: Used in biology.

   Only twelve individuals of this bird remain.

   The herd contains about forty individuals.

Word forms

Common combinations

private individuals

Private individuals donated the funds.

wealthy individuals

Wealthy individuals paid for the hall.

unique individuals

Twins are still unique individuals.

as individuals

As individuals we are weak; together we are strong.

high-net-worth individuals

The bank serves high-net-worth individuals.

Synonyms and how they differ

people

Is the usual everyday plural and sounds warmer.

persons

Is formal, for legal and official texts.

citizens

Refers to members of a country.

members

Refers to belonging to a group.

Opposites

Word family

individual noun

one single person

individual adjective

single, or for one person

individuality noun

the qualities that make someone different

individually adverb

one by one

Commonly confused: individuals or individualist?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “individuals”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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