Personell vs. Personnel — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 31, 2024
"Personell" is an incorrect spelling, while "personnel" correctly refers to the people employed in an organization or for a particular purpose.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Personell or Personnel
How to spell Personnel?
Personell
Incorrect Spelling
Personnel
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember that "personnel" contains the word "person."
Think of the word "sell." The correct spelling doesn't "sell" a letter short; it has both n's – personnel.
"Elle" is a female name, and personnel isn’t just one person, it's many – so use two 'n's.
"Personnel" has two 'n's, similar to how a company has many employees.
When pronouncing "personnel," the stress is on the last syllable, which might help in recalling the double 'n'.
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How Do You Spell Personnel Correctly?
Incorrect: We need to train our personell to use the new software.
Correct: We need to train our personnel to use the new software.
Incorrect: The military personell were deployed overseas.
Correct: The military personnel were deployed overseas.
Incorrect: She is part of the administrative personell.
Correct: She is part of the administrative personnel.
Incorrect: Our personell department handles all HR-related issues.
Correct: Our personnel department handles all HR-related issues.
Incorrect: The company is hiring additional personell this year.
Correct: The company is hiring additional personnel this year.
Personnel Definitions
Personnel refers to the people employed in an organization or a specific duty.
The personnel in our HR department are very efficient.
In a military context, personnel are the soldiers in an army excluding the officers.
The base housed over 1,000 military personnel.
Personnel can also mean the department of an organization that deals with employee matters.
She works in personnel.
It denotes the body of persons employed in some public service, such as the police force.
Emergency personnel were at the scene immediately.
In general, personnel signifies a group of people drawn together for a particular purpose.
Key personnel were involved in making the decision.
(used with pl. verb) The people employed by or active in an organization, business, or service.
The department of human resources in an organization.
Collection of people in an organization, such as employees and office staff, members of the military, etc.
(uncountable) A human resources department.
I've just had a letter from personnel.
The body of persons employed in some public service, as the army, navy, etc.; - distinguished from matériel.
Group of people willing to obey orders;
A public force is necessary to give security to the rights of citizens
The department responsible for hiring and training and placing employees and for seting policies for personnel management
Personnel Meaning in a Sentence
Personnel decisions are made by the management team.
The HR department is responsible for personnel management.
The new policy was communicated to all personnel via email.
The personnel department is organizing a team-building event.
All personnel must complete the safety training.
The personnel files contain confidential information.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the accident.
Personnel training is scheduled for next week.
Our personnel are our most valuable asset.
The company provides health benefits to its personnel.
The personnel committee meets monthly to discuss HR issues.
Personnel benefits include vacation time and health insurance.
The personnel in the warehouse work tirelessly to fulfill orders.
Our personnel policy includes guidelines for professional conduct.
Personnel turnover has been low this year.
The store's personnel helped customers find what they needed.
Hiring personnel is a lengthy process that involves several interviews.
The new software will be installed by IT personnel.
Military personnel receive special training for their duties.
Personnel records are kept secure to protect privacy.
The school's personnel includes teachers, administrators, and support staff.
Company personnel are required to wear ID badges.
The personnel office is located on the second floor.
Seasonal personnel are hired during the holiday rush.
The workshop is open to all company personnel.
Personnel Idioms & Phrases
Personnel is policy
A phrase indicating that the people who are hired influence the direction and values of an organization.
The new CEO's first move showed that personnel is policy, as she reshaped her leadership team.
Personnel matter
A topic or issue that involves the staff or employees of an organization, usually implying privacy or confidentiality.
We're handling the situation as a personnel matter, so I can't provide any details.
Key personnel
The most important or essential staff members within an organization.
During the merger, retaining key personnel was a top priority to ensure continuity.
Personnel touch
The human aspect brought into professional settings or services.
Our boutique prides itself on its personnel touch, ensuring each customer feels special.
Personnel file
A file containing all the records and information related to an employee's history with an organization.
Before making the promotion official, HR reviewed her personnel file for any relevant information.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called personnel?
It's derived from the French word "personnel," meaning "personal," relating to persons.
What is the verb form of personnel?
There isn't a verb form for "personnel." It's a noun.
What is the pronunciation of personnel?
It's pronounced as /ˌpɜːrsəˈnɛl/.
Which preposition is used with personnel?
"Of" as in "personnel of a company."
What is the root word of personnel?
The root is the French word "personnel."
Is personnel a noun or adjective?
It's a noun.
Which vowel is used before personnel?
The vowel "e" is used before personnel.
What is the singular form of personnel?
Personnel.
Is personnel an adverb?
No.
Is personnel a vowel or consonant?
"Personnel" is a word, not a single letter.
What is the plural form of personnel?
Personnel is both singular and plural.
Which article is used with personnel?
"The" can be used, as in "the personnel."
Is the word personnel is imperative?
No, it's not a command or directive.
How many syllables are in personnel?
Three.
What is another term for personnel?
Staff or employees.
Which determiner is used with personnel?
"The" or "some" can be used.
What is the first form of personnel?
The word "personnel" doesn't have verb forms.
Which conjunction is used with personnel?
Conjunctions aren't specifically paired with nouns like "personnel." Any could be used depending on the sentence.
Is the personnel term a metaphor?
No, it's a literal term.
What is the second form of personnel?
N/A, it doesn't have verb forms.
Is personnel an abstract noun?
No, it's a concrete noun.
Is personnel a countable noun?
No, it's uncountable.
What part of speech is personnel?
Noun.
Is personnel a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
What is the third form of personnel?
N/A, it doesn't have verb forms.
Is personnel a collective noun?
Yes.
How do we divide personnel into syllables?
Per-son-nel.
What is a stressed syllable in personnel?
The last syllable, "nel."
What is the opposite of personnel?
There isn't a direct opposite, but a potential antonym could be "management" in certain contexts.
How is personnel used in a sentence?
"The personnel at the headquarters were very helpful."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.