Meaning & use
spokespersons
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“spokespersons” is a form of “spokesperson”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
People chosen to speak publicly for a group, company or government and to deliver its official views.
Grammar: Plural of spokesperson: several official speakers, not one.
Patterns
- spokespersons for something
- spokespersons from something
The two spokespersons for the airline refused to comment on the delay.
Government spokespersons answer reporters' questions every morning.
Each team appointed spokespersons to explain its plan to the council.
Common combinations
- official spokespersons
- Only official spokespersons may speak to the press.
- spokespersons for the company
- Spokespersons for the company said the product was safe.
- appoint spokespersons
- The union will appoint spokespersons before the talks begin.
- press spokespersons
- The press spokespersons met journalists outside the hall.
Synonyms and how they differ
- representatives
- Representatives act for a group in many ways, while spokespersons mainly speak to the public or media.
- spokesmen
- Spokesmen refers only to men, so spokespersons is the neutral choice when gender is mixed or unknown.
- mouthpieces
- Mouthpieces often sounds critical, suggesting people who simply repeat someone else's views.
Word family
- spokesperson noun
- one person who speaks officially for others
- spokeswoman noun
- a woman who speaks officially for others
- spokesman noun
- a man who speaks officially for others
- spokespeople noun
- another plural of spokesperson
Commonly confused: spokespersons or speakers?
spokespersons vs speakers
Speakers can be anyone who talks; spokespersons talk on behalf of an organization or group.
Practice
The company's ___ gave a short statement to journalists outside the building.
Choose one answer.
Spokespersons are people who speak officially for a company. Speeches are not people, and speakerphones are devices.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “spokespersons”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.