Who vs. That:- As a writer or speaker, choosing the right pronoun to use can significantly affect the clarity and correctness of your communication. Among the most commonly misused pronouns are “who” and “that.” While both are relative pronouns, they differ in their function and usage. This guide will explain when to use “who” and “that” and provide examples to help you distinguish between the two. (Who vs. That)
Who
“Who” is a pronoun used to refer to people or animals with names. It is used as a subject, object, or possessive pronoun.
When to use “who”
- Use “who” as a subject pronoun when referring to a person or animal.
Example:
- “Who ate the last piece of cake?”
- “The man who owns the store is on vacation.”
In both cases, “who” refers to a person or animal and is the subject of the sentence.
- Use “who” as an object pronoun when referring to a person or animal.
Example:
- “The dog, who I adopted from the shelter, is very friendly.”
- “I saw the girl who sang at the talent show.”
In both cases, “who” refers to a person or animal and is the object of the sentence.
- Use “who” as a possessive pronoun to show ownership or association.
Example:
- “The woman, who lost her purse, asked for my help.”
- “The team, who won the championship, celebrated their victory.”
In both cases, “who” refers to a person or group of people who own or have a close association with something.
That
“That” is a pronoun used to refer to people, animals, things, or ideas. It is used as a subject, object, or demonstrative pronoun.
When to use “that”
- Use “that” as a subject pronoun when referring to an animal, thing, or idea.
Example:
- “That dog is very energetic.”
- “That book is very interesting.”
- “That idea is worth considering.”
In all cases, “that” refers to a non-person and is the subject of the sentence.
- Use “that” as an object pronoun when referring to an animal, thing, or idea.
Example:
- “I want that book on the top shelf.”
- “She bought that vase at the antique store.”
- “The doctor prescribed that medicine for my cough.”
In all cases, “that” refers to a non-person and is the object of the sentence.
- Use “that” as a demonstrative pronoun to point to a specific person, animal, thing, or idea.
Example:
- “That car over there is mine.”
- “That movie was terrible.”
- “That song is one of my favorites.”
In all cases, “that” refers to a specific thing, idea, or person.
Differences between “who” and “that”
“Who” and “that” are both relative pronouns, but they are not interchangeable. “Who” is used only to refer to people or animals with names, while “that” can refer to people, animals, things, or ideas. Additionally, “who” is often used to refer to a person in a more personal or emotional context, while “that” is often used in a more objective or impersonal context.
Example:
- “The man who I met at the party was very kind.” (emotional context)
- “The book that I read last week was very interesting.” (objective context)
Conclusion: Who vs. That
Choosing the correct pronoun to use can significantly impact the clarity and correctness of your writing or speaking. Use “who” when referring to people or animals with names and “that”
when referring to people, animals, things, or ideas without specific names. Remember that “who” is more personal and emotional, while “that” is more objective and impersonal.
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when deciding between “who” and “that”:
- If you could replace “who” or “that” with “he,” “she,” or “it,” use “who.”
- If you could replace “who” or “that” with “him,” “her,” or “it,” use “that.”
- If the pronoun is the subject of the sentence, use “who.”
- If the pronoun is the object of the sentence, use “that.”
- If the pronoun is referring to a specific person or thing, use “that.”
By following these guidelines and examples, you can become more confident in your use of “who” and “that” and communicate more effectively in your writing and speaking.
