"People" or "the people"

Question

What is the most correct way to say:

People in the list above will also receive product update notifications.

Should I use the people or simply people? Is there a more formal way to express the concept above?

Answer 1

There’s a very subtle difference. People on its own suggests that those in the list are there by chance. The people, on the other hand, suggests they been included deliberately. For practical purposes, however, it makes very little difference one way or the other.

Answer 2

People in the list

Can be replaced by

Subscribers to the list

Or simply

Subscribers

Assuming the context gives enough information about it being a mailing list, people should be able to figure out what it means.

In full:

Subscribers will also receive product update notifications. Please double check that the e-mail addresses are correct.

Answer 3

When we talk in general about a plural noun or an uncountable noun, we should NOT use "The" before that noun. Here are some examples: Water is an important resource. (In general-Uncountable) Vegetables are good for you. (In general-Plural)

If we put "the" before "people", those people in the list are of a small number, specific and regular members. Otherwise, Generalization will occur by leaving "the".