Manandmankind
Traditionally, we usemanto refer to all human beings, male and female, usually in contrast with other animals. However, many people consider this to be sexist, so it is better to use a different expression, such ashuman beings:
Human beingsfirst emerged in Africa, some two million years ago.(preferred toMan first emerged…)
Mankindcan also refer to all human beings, male and female, usually in the senseof social or conscious beings. Although people generally consider it less sexist thanman, it is usually better to use a different expression, such ashuman beings(with a plural verb) orhumankind(with a singular verb):
Human beingshave always dreamt of happiness and of a perfect world.orHumankindhas always dreamt of happiness… (preferred toMankind has always dreamt…)
See also:
Sexist language
People
Peoplecan refer to all human beings, or to a group of persons in a particular situation. It is a plural noun and it takes a plural verb:
Peoplewill always need food, so the food industry will never disappear.(all human beings)
It’s difficult to sell an old computer.Peopledon’t want second-hand ones.(those typical persons interested in buying computers)
Peoplestarted coming into the hall at five-thirty, almost an hour before the start of the meeting.(those persons who were attending the meeting)
We don’t usethewithman, mankind, humankindorpeoplewhen they are used with a general meaning to refer to all human beings:
People/Human beingswill always defend their territory against an attack from outside.
Not:The people/The human beings…
See also:
Person,personsorpeople?
Sexist language