Conversation started Jul 10, 2015 at 12:08.
Damkerng T.
Damkerng T.
Jul 10, 2015 12:08
in English Language & Usage, 3 hours ago, by Justyna Nogala
The older and the handicapped people transported from Skawina were buried there within a few days.
Context aside, the usage is interesting.
Some possible choices are the old, the older, the elderly, the old people, the older people, the elderly people.
Also handicapped vs. disabled.
A usage note by Macmillan: macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/old
> Words that may cause offense: old
> Avoid saying that someone is old or elderly, and avoid referring to old or elderly people as the old or the elderly. Instead, use expressions such as older people, retired people, the over 50s/60s etc. or seniors where appropriate.
On Google Books:
"The elderly and handicapped were" 32 results
"The elderly and the handicapped were" 20 results
"The older and the handicapped were" 0 results
"The older and handicapped were" 0 results (a couple results on the web)
"The older and handicapped people were" 0 results
"the older were" 30-40 results
"the older and disabled were" 1 result
"the older and the disabled were" 0 results (1 on the web)
"the older and disabled people were" 0 results
"the older and the disabled people were" 0 results
"The elderly and disabled were" 36 results
"The elderly and the disabled were" 26 results
"The elderly and disabled people were" 1 result
"The elderly and the disabled people were" 0 results (1 on the web)
"the old and disabled were" 24 results
"the old and the disabled were" 22 results
"the old and the disabled people were" 0 results
"the old and disabled people were" 1 result
"the old and handicapped people were" 0 results
"the old and handicapped were" 6 results
"the old and the handicapped were" 14 results
"the old and the handicapped people were" 0 results
So, these are the common choices: The elderly/old and (the) handicapped/disabled were.
 
Conversation ended Jul 10, 2015 at 12:23.