English has many word pairs that look almost identical but change meaning depending on whether they appear with a hyphen — and “in-person” vs “in person” is one of the most confusing examples. Both forms are correct, but their usage depends entirely on the grammar of the sentence. That’s why people often hesitate when writing emails, business documents, announcements, or invitations.
Although they look similar, they serve different purposes. One works as an adjective, while the other functions as an adverb. This article explains the difference in a clear, friendly way, with examples, a comparison table, dialogues, and easy memory tricks.
What Does “In-Person” Mean?
✔️ Definition
In-person (with a hyphen) is an adjective.
It describes a noun — meaning something that happens face-to-face, physically, not online.
✔️ Where “In-Person” Is Used
Use in-person when it comes before a noun, such as:
- in-person meeting
- in-person interview
- in-person training
- in-person class
- in-person event
✔️ Examples in Sentences
- “We will hold an in-person meeting tomorrow.”
- “The company prefers in-person interviews.”
- “Students can choose between online and in-person classes.”
- “The in-person workshop begins at 10 AM.”
✔️ Easy Rule
If the phrase directly describes a noun, use in-person.
What Does “In Person” Mean?
✔️ Definition
In person (without a hyphen) is an adverbial phrase.
It describes how something is done — physically present, not virtually.
✔️ Where “In Person” Is Used
Use in person when it comes after a verb:
- meet in person
- visit in person
- apply in person
- see someone in person
✔️ Examples in Sentences
- “You must sign the document in person.”
- “I finally met her in person, and she was lovely.”
- “They want applicants to apply in person.”
- “The doctor asked to see the patient in person.”
✔️ Easy Rule
If it appears after the verb, use in person.
In-Person vs In Person: Key Differences
| Feature | In-Person | In Person |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adjective | Adverbial phrase |
| Hyphen | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No |
| Function | Describes a noun | Describes an action |
| Examples | in-person meeting, in-person event | meet in person, apply in person |
| Meaning | Face-to-face type of thing | Doing something physically |
Simple Summary:
- In-person → modifies a noun
- In person → modifies a verb
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1
A: “Is it an in person meeting?”
B: “You mean an in-person meeting? Yes, we’re meeting physically.”
🎯 Lesson: Use in-person when describing the type of meeting.
Dialogue 2
A: “Can I submit the application online?”
B: “No, you have to submit it in person.”
🎯 Lesson: Use in person when explaining how something is done.
Dialogue 3
A: “Do we have an in-person or online interview?”
B: “It’s online, so you don’t need to be in person.”
🎯 Lesson: Hyphen for adjectives, no hyphen for actions.
Dialogue 4
A: “Is the in-person event mandatory?”
B: “Yes, everyone needs to attend in person.”
🎯 Lesson: Both forms can appear in the same sentence—but with different roles.
When to Use “In-Person” vs “In Person”
✔️ Use in-person when:
- It comes before a noun
- You are describing the type of event or thing
Examples: - in-person meeting
- in-person interview
- in-person session
✔️ Use in person when:
- It comes after a verb
- You are describing how something happens
Examples: - meet in person
- attend in person
- reply in person
Common Mistakes (and Corrections)
| ❌ Incorrect | ✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| “We prefer in person meetings.” | “We prefer in-person meetings.” |
| “You must come in-person to collect your ID.” | “You must come in person to collect your ID.” |
| “Apply in-person only.” | “Apply in person only.” |
| “The event will be in person style.” | “The event will be an in-person event.” |
Easy Memory Tricks
1. Adjectives need hyphens → in-person
If it’s directly describing a noun, add the hyphen.
2. Replace with “physically”
- “We met physically.” → fits → in person
- “Physically meeting”? No → it must be in-person meeting
3. Think: Noun = Hyphen
Noun nearby? Use in-person.
Fun Fact
Hyphenation rules in English have changed over time. “In-person” became the dominant form in the late 1900s as workplaces and media needed a clear distinction between physical (in-person) and virtual interactions.
Conclusion
Although in-person and in person look nearly identical, they play very different roles in a sentence. Use in-person when describing a noun (like “in-person event”), and use in person when describing how something is done (like “attend in person”). Once you learn the grammar behind each form, choosing the right one becomes effortless.
Next time someone asks whether it’s “in-person” or “in person,” you’ll know exactly which one to use!
