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Is It In Person or In-Person: Understanding The Meaning, Difference and Correct Usage

by shreyasi datta

When using the English language, do you ever have problems deciding whether in person or in-person is correct? Many of us do, but don’t worry. In this blog article, we will explain the meaning, difference and correct usage of these two phrase. Read on.

In Person Or In-Person: Which Is Correct?  

In Person Or In-Person_

Both “in person” and “in-person” are correct, but they cannot be used interchangeably. “In person” is typically used as a two-word phrase in formal or more traditional writing styles. For example:

– “I prefer to meet with clients in person.”

– “The event will be held in person.”

“On the other hand, “in-person” is a hyphenated compound adjective that is commonly used in informal or modern writing styles. It is used to modify a noun and describe an activity or event that takes place face-to-face or physically rather than remotely or online. For example:

– “We had an in-person meeting.”

– “The company offers both online and in-person classes.”

Meaning And Correct Usage of In Person  

The phrase “in person” is used to describe or indicate a direct, physical presence or interaction with someone or something. It implies being physically present at a specific location, rather than participating remotely or virtually. Here are some examples of the meaning and correct usage of “in person”:

Meeting someone in person: When you meet someone in person, it means that you are physically present with them, having a direct face-to-face interaction. For example:

   – “I finally had the opportunity to meet my favorite author in person.”

   – “Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss this matter in person.”

Attending an event in person: If you attend an event in person, it means that you are physically present at the location where the event is taking place. For example:

   – “I’m looking forward to attending the concert in person.”

   – “The conference organizers encourage participants to join in person for a more immersive experience.”

Verifying identification in person: When a person has to verify their identity in person, it means they have to appear physically at a specific location for the purpose of identification. For example:

   – “To open a bank account, you need to visit the branch in person and provide identification documents.”

   – “One must submit Passport applications in person at the designated passport office.”

In summary, “in person” is used when referring to direct physical presence, interaction, attendance, or verification at a specific location. It implies being physically present rather than participating remotely or virtually.

Example Sentences With In Person  

Here are some example sentences showing the usage of “in person”:

1. “I finally had the chance to meet my favorite celebrity in person.”

2. “It’s always better to resolve conflicts in person rather than through text messages.”

3. “She gave a powerful speech that moved everyone who heard it in person.”

4. “The professor encourages students to ask questions during the lecture in person.”

5. “I love shopping online, but sometimes it’s nice to see the products in person before buying it.”

6. “Attending the concert in person allowed me to appreciate the energy fully and talent of the performers.”

7. “He apologized for his behavior in person, showing genuine remorse.”

8. “The job fair provided an opportunity to meet potential employers in person and make a strong impression.”

9. “I can’t wait to see my family in person and celebrate the holidays together.”

10. “The artist’s exhibition was even more beautiful when viewed in person, with all the tiny details on display.”

The sentences given above will enable you to understand where “in person” is used to describe direct physical presence, meetings, experiences, or events that require individuals to be physically present.

Meaning And Correct Usage of In-Person  

You can use the term “in-person” as a compound adjective to describe an activity, event, or service that takes place face-to-face, as opposed to being remote or online. The word has a hyphen in between to indicate that it functions as a single modifying phrase. Here are some examples of the meaning and correct usage of “in-person”:

In-person meeting: This refers to a meeting that takes place with individuals physically present in the same location. It implies face-to-face meetings and communication without the use of technology. For example:

   – “We need to have an in-person meeting to discuss the details.”

   – “The team members flew to the headquarters for an important in-person meeting.”

In-person event or conference: Any event or conference that requires attendees to be physically present at a specific venue. The word ‘in-person’ here means that participants need to be or are expected to be physically there to engage in the activities and sessions.

For example:

   – “The company organized an in-person event to launch their new product.”

   – “The industry conference will have both virtual and in-person attendance options.”

In-person services: This refers to services that are provided directly to individuals at a physical location, rather than remotely or online. For example:

   – “The restaurant offers both takeout and in-person dining options.”

   – “The counseling center provides in-person therapy sessions.”

In summary, you should use “in-person” as a compound adjective to describe activities, events, or services that occur face-to-face or physically, emphasizing direct presence and interaction. In general, this word is used to distinguish between physical and remote/virtual experiences.

Example Sentences With In-Person  

Here are a few example sentences using in-person:

1. “I prefer talking about sensitive matters in person rather than over email.”

2. “The company was conducting in-person interviews for the open managerial position at their headquarters in Seattle.”

3. “Due to the pandemic, the event shifted from an in-person gathering to a virtual conference.”

4. “I finally had the chance to see my favorite band perform live in-person.”

5. “The workshop offers an interactive learning experience with in-person demonstrations.”

6. “We encourage customers to visit our showroom to view our products in person.”

7. “The university is planning to resume in-person classes for the upcoming semester.”

8. “The wedding ceremony will take place in front of a small in-person gathering.”

9. “The sales team traveled across the country to meet clients in person and strengthen relationships.”

10. “The museum reopened, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits in person once again.”

To learn about situations where you can use “in-person,” you can check out the above-mentioned sentences.


To sum up, both ‘in-person’ and ‘in person’ are correct. But the main difference between these two words lies in the usage of the words. You should use “In person” as an adverb and “in-person” as an adjective.

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