“In person” vs. “in-person”: What’s the difference?
Even native English speakers sometimes struggle to know when to use “in person” versus “in-person.” Both phrases mean the same thing: physically present.
But “in person” and “in-person” have different grammatical roles. “In person” is an adverb, while “in-person” is an adjective. To master when to use each phrase, you have to know what those terms mean.
This article breaks down the grammar so you can use “in person” and “in-person” with confidence. We’ll go over what adverbs and adjectives are, show you examples of correct usage, and give you some tips to avoid common mistakes.
Adverb vs. Adjective: Understanding the Grammatical Difference
The difference between “in person” and “in-person” comes down to grammar. One is an adverbial phrase, while the other is a compound adjective. Here’s a closer look:
“In Person” as an Adverbial Phrase
An adverb is a word or phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs give us more information about how, when, where, or to what extent something is done.
“In person” functions as an adverbial phrase, telling us how an action is performed. Consider these examples:
- “I will deliver the package in person.” (Here, “in person” modifies the verb “deliver,” telling us how the package will be delivered.)
- “He applied for the job in person.” (Here, “in person” modifies the verb “applied,” telling us how he applied.)
“In-Person” as a Compound Adjective
An adjective is a word that modifies a noun, giving us more information about it. “In-person,” with the hyphen, becomes a compound adjective. It describes a type of noun.
Here are a couple of examples:
- “We had an in-person meeting.” (Here, “in-person” modifies the noun “meeting,” telling us what kind of meeting it was.)
- “Schedule your in-person training.” (Here, “in-person” modifies the noun “training,” telling us what kind of training is being offered.)
“In Person” in Detail
The phrase “in person” means “physically present” or “face-to-face.” It’s used to show that an interaction happened directly, not remotely or online.
For example:
- “Talking over Zoom is not the same as meeting in person.”
- “Ray would like to meet in person with you.”
- “I don’t trust the market’s delivery system, so I’m going to the store in person.”
Whether to use “in person” depends on the context. Are you describing how an action took place? If so, “in person” might be the right choice.
You can also use synonyms like “face-to-face,” “physically,” or “personally” to add variety to your writing.
“In-person” in Detail: How to Use It
The term “in-person” describes something that involves a physical presence. It highlights the physical or face-to-face nature of whatever you’re talking about. The hyphenated version is an adjective.
Here are some examples:
- “Keep your company-tag visible so our in-person representative can see the company logo.”
- “We’ll have in-person negotiations.”
- “I’d love an in-person consultation.”
Remember that the hyphen is important when “in-person” acts as a compound adjective. It connects “in” and “person” so they function as a single adjective that modifies the noun.
If you’re looking for synonyms to add variety to your writing, consider options like “face-to-face,” “physical,” or “personal.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to get tripped up on when to hyphenate “in person” and when not to. Here are a few common errors and how to steer clear of them.
Incorrect Hyphenation
One frequent mistake is hyphenating “in person” when it should be two separate words. If you’re using the phrase to describe how something is done (as an adverbial phrase), don’t use a hyphen.
For example:
- Incorrect: “I’d rather collaborate in-person.”
- Correct: “I’d rather collaborate in person.”
Incorrectly Using “In Person” as an Adjective
The flip side of the coin is using “in person” when you really need the adjective “in-person.” When you’re using the phrase to describe a type of thing (as a compound adjective), you need that hyphen.
For example:
- Incorrect: “Let’s schedule an in person meeting.”
- Correct: “Let’s schedule an in-person meeting.”
General Tips for Avoiding Errors
Here are a couple of quick tips to help you choose correctly every time:
- Consider the context. Are you describing how something’s done, or the type of thing it is?
- Use grammar tools or style guides. If you’re not sure, plug your sentence into a grammar checker or consult a style guide.
What does “person” even mean?
The word “person” seems simple, but it’s actually pretty complex. We use it in different ways depending on the situation.
- In biology, “person” refers to a living, breathing human being.
- In sociology, it describes someone who belongs to a society and has certain rights and responsibilities.
- In philosophy, a “person” is often defined as a being with consciousness and the ability to make moral choices.
- Legally speaking, a “person” is an entity that has rights and responsibilities under the law.
We even use “person” in grammar to talk about who’s speaking (first person), who’s being spoken to (second person), and who or what is being spoken about (third person). And in theology, “person” has specific meanings related to the nature of God.
There are also plenty of idioms that use the word “person,” like “man of the people,” “a people person,” or “person of interest.” So, “person” can have a lot of different shades of meaning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “checkin” one word?
No, “checkin” is generally not considered one word in standard English. The correct spelling is “check-in” (with a hyphen) when used as a noun or adjective (e.g., “the check-in process” or “a check-in desk”). As a verb, it’s typically written as two words: “check in” (e.g., “Please check in at the front desk”).
How to capitalize “in person”?
Capitalization depends on the context. In general sentences, you would not capitalize “in person” unless it begins a sentence. However, in headings or titles, follow title case rules, which typically capitalize all words except for minor words like articles (a, an, the), prepositions (of, in, to), and conjunctions (and, but, or) – unless they are the first or last word. So, you might see “In Person Meetings” in a title.
Is “in person learning” hyphenated?
It depends on how you’re using it. If you’re using “in person learning” as an adjective before a noun (e.g., “in-person learning opportunities”), then yes, it should be hyphenated. However, if it’s used as a phrase after a verb (e.g., “We offer learning in person”), then it’s not hyphenated.
Is there a hyphen in “in person”?
Typically, “in person” is not hyphenated. The exception is when it modifies a noun, as mentioned above. So, you’d usually write “I met him in person,” but “an in-person meeting.” It’s all about whether it’s acting as a compound adjective.
Summary
So, what’s the difference between “in person” and “in-person”? Remember that “in person” is an adverbial phrase, meaning it describes how something is done. “In-person,” on the other hand, is a compound adjective that describes a noun.
Using the correct term is important for clear, professional communication. Choosing the right phrase can help you express yourself clearly and avoid any misunderstandings.
With these simple guidelines and examples, you can confidently use “in person” and “in-person” in your writing and speech. Understanding the difference will make your communication more precise, whether you’re writing a report for work or sending a quick email to a friend. Now go forth and use them correctly!