You’ve scheduled a meeting and need to confirm whether it will happen “in person” or “in-person.” As you type, you wonder: is there a difference between these two forms, or are they interchangeable?
This is a common question, especially in professional writing where clarity is key. Let’s break down when to use “in person” and when “in-person” is the correct choice.
Understanding “In Person” And “In-Person”
In Person: Definition and Usage
“In person” is an adverbial phrase that describes the action of being physically present. It is typically used to indicate that something is happening face-to-face rather than remotely. For example:
- I met the client in person for the first time yesterday.
- She prefers to deliver the news in person rather than over the phone.
In these examples, “in person” emphasizes that the action is taking place with the physical presence of the individual.
In-Person: Definition and Usage
“In-person” is an adjective that modifies a noun to describe an event, meeting, or interaction that involves physical presence. For example:
- We scheduled an in-person meeting for next Monday.
- The in-person workshop was more engaging than the virtual one.
Here, “in-person” is used to describe the nature of the meeting or event, highlighting that it involves participants being physically together.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | In Person | In-Person |
| Definition | Describes being physically present (adverb) | Describes an event or interaction involving physical presence (adjective) |
| Common Usage | “He delivered the message in person.” | “The company offers in-person training sessions.” |
| Key Differences | Used as an adverb to describe how an action occurs | Used as an adjective to describe the nature of an event or interaction |
When deciding between “in person” and “in-person,” think about whether you need to describe the action (in person) or the event (in-person).
For example, if you are talking about attending a meeting, you might say, “I will attend the meeting in person.” If you are describing the meeting itself, you would say, “This is an in-person meeting.”
Everyday Usage Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the correct usage of “in person” and “in-person” in everyday language:
- In Person: She decided to deliver the apology in person rather than by email.
- In-Person: The conference included both virtual and in-person sessions.
- In Person: He likes to greet his neighbors in person every morning.
- In-Person: The school offers in-person classes as well as online options.
- In Person: Meeting the author in person was an incredible experience.
- In-Person: The in-person interview allowed for better rapport-building.
Conclusion
The difference between “in person” and “in-person” is subtle but important. “In person” is used to describe the manner in which an action occurs, while “in-person” describes the nature of an event or interaction.
Understanding this distinction ensures that your writing is both accurate and professional.