Common English Mistakes: Human, Humans, Human Being and Human Beings

Author: Bob
Updated Date 25/08/2011 15:09:06
Number of views: 489

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Have you ever wondered what the difference among "human", "humans", "human being" and "human beings" are? How to use them correctly?

Bob - 25/08/2011 18:08:00

Human(s) and Human being(s) are almost interchangeable.

Human(s) is used more in the context when you are comparing animals.

Human being(s) is used more in discussing humanity.

Note: we do not use the counter term "non-human being". It doesn't exist.

For Example:

'we are human'-- used as an adjective to describe our nature.

'we are humans'-- used as a noun to describe the subject.

'we are human beings' -- used as a noun to describe the subject.

'we are human being' -- bad grammar.