While the words "individual" and "person" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings and usage. Generally, "person" is a more common and widely applicable term referring to a human being. "Individual," on the other hand, emphasizes the separateness or uniqueness of a person, often highlighting their independence or distinct characteristics from a group. Think of it this way: all individuals are people, but not all people are necessarily considered individuals in every context.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Person: "There were many people at the concert." (This simply states a number of human beings present.)
• Person: "She is a kind and generous person." (This describes the characteristics of a human being.)
• Individual: "Each individual has the right to their own opinion." (This emphasizes the separate rights of each person.)
• Individual: "The study focused on the individual responses of participants." (Here, "individual" highlights the unique reaction of each participant.)

Translation:

• Person: "There were many people at the concert." (This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English)
• Person: "She is a kind and generous person." (This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English)
• Individual: "Each individual has the right to their own opinion." (This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English)
• Individual: "The study focused on the individual responses of participants." (This sentence needs no translation as it is already in English)

Notice how "individual" often appears in contexts where uniqueness, separation, or distinct characteristics are highlighted, whereas "person" is used more broadly to simply refer to a human being. Sometimes, the words can be used interchangeably without significantly altering the meaning, but understanding the nuances helps you to choose the most precise and effective word for your context.

Happy learning!