Ever wonder whether to use who or that when referring to people? It’s a common question that often trips up even seasoned writers. Choosing the right word can change the clarity and correctness of your sentence, making your writing more professional and polished.
The key difference is simple: Use who when referring to a person as the subject or predicate of a sentence; use that when referring to a person as an object or in restrictive clauses where the identity is essential. For example, "The man who helped me was kind" versus "The man that I helped was kind."
In this article, I’ll break down the rules, share common mistakes, and give you practical tips to master using who vs. that when talking about people. Keep reading to boost your grammar skills and communicate with confidence!
Understanding "Who" and "That" When Talking About People
Let's clarify what these words mean and their roles in a sentence.
- "Who" is a relative pronoun used specifically to refer to people, especially when they are the subject of a clause.
- "That" is also a relative pronoun, but it can refer to both people and things. When used for people, it generally introduces restrictive clauses (more on that below), and is often preferred in informal contexts.
When to Use "Who" for People
"Who" is used in non-restrictive and restrictive clauses where the person is the subject of the clause.
Examples:
- "The teacher who lives next door is very friendly."
- "She is the artist who painted this mural."
Key Points:
- Use who when the person is performing the action (subject).
- Typically, it should be set off with commas in non-restrictive clauses when additional information is non-essential.
When to Use "That" for People
"That" is mainly used in restrictive clauses, where the clause is essential to identify the person.
Examples:
- "The students that missed the class need to catch up."
- "The author that wrote this book is famous."
Key Points:
- Use that without commas.
- It tends to sound more informal but is grammatically acceptable in both American and British English.
- Be cautious: it can sometimes sound less precise when referring to specific individuals.
Key Differences Between "Who" and "That"
| Feature | Who | That |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Type | More formal, precise | Less formal, versatile |
| Refers To | Only people | People and things, but often used for people in restrictive clauses |
| Clause Type | Usually non-restrictive (with commas) | Usually restrictive (without commas) |
| Subject of sentence | Yes | Yes (when referring to people) |
| Object of sentence | Yes | Yes (less preferred for people as objects in formal writing) |
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Between "Who" and "That"
Here’s a quick checklist to determine which to use:
- Identify the role of the noun: Is it the subject or the object?
- Check if the clause is essential or additional info:
- Essential info (restrictive clause): Usually that.
- Additional info (non-restrictive clause): Usually who, with commas.
- Consider formality:
- Formal writing favors who.
- Informal or conversational writing often uses that.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
-
Mistake: Using that for non-restrictive clauses with people.
Correction: Stick to who when the clause is non-essential. -
Mistake: Using who in restrictive clauses without commas.
Correction: It’s acceptable but can sound overly formal; that often works better in these cases. -
Mistake: Using who as an object.
Correction: Use whom for objects in formal contexts, e.g., "The person whom I met yesterday."
(Note: Whom is increasingly rare in everyday speech but good to know for formal writing.)
Variations and When to Use Them
- Using "who" in questions:
- "Who is coming to the party?"
- Using "that" in restrictive clauses:
- "The cake that she baked was delicious."
Tip: Keep in mind, who is almost always better for clarity and formality. Reserve that for quick, conversational style, especially when referring to people in restrictive clauses.
Proper Ordering When Mentioning Multiple People
When talking about multiple individuals:
-
Use who for each person if they are the subject:
Example: The nurses who cared for the patients who arrived early.
-
When combining multiple descriptions, ensure consistency:
Incorrect: The students who studied hard and that submitted their assignments on time.
Correct: The students who studied hard and who submitted their assignments on time.
Why Rich Vocabulary Matters in Grammar
Using diverse vocabulary, including proper relative pronouns like who and that, enhances clarity and professionalism. It reflects attention to detail and mastery of language, helping your writing stand out whether in academic papers, business emails, or casual communication.
Covering All Five Categories for Describing People
Let’s explore how who and that work when describing people across different characteristics:
| Category | Example Using "Who" | Example Using "That" |
|---|---|---|
| Personality Traits | The caring nurse who listened patiently. | The friendly volunteer that greeted every visitor. |
| Physical Descriptions | The tall man who wore a blue hat. | The woman that was dressed in red. |
| Role-Based Descriptors | The teacher who inspired many students. | The manager that handled the situation professionally. |
| Cultural/Background | The artist who grew up in Italy. | The boy that comes from a traditional family. |
| Emotional Attributes | The child who was anxious before the test. | The patient that stayed calm during the procedure. |
Grammar Instruction: Correct Positioning & Practice
The placement of who and that is crucial:
- Correct: The student who answered correctly is happy.
- Incorrect: The student answered correctly that is happy.
Practice Exercises:
- Fill-in-the-blank:
- The singer ____ performed last night was excellent.
- Error correction:
- The candidates, that won the election, are celebrating.
- Identification:
- Determine whether to use who or that:
- The woman _____ called earlier wants to speak to you.
- Determine whether to use who or that:
Tips for Success:
- Use who for clarity in formal writing.
- Use that for a faster, more conversational tone.
- Remember the clause type (restrictive vs. non-restrictive).
- Practice by rewriting sentences with both options to see which sounds better.
- When in doubt, prefer who for people, especially in formal contexts.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Mixing who and that in a single sentence unnecessarily.
- Forgetting commas with non-restrictive clauses (which call for who).
- Overusing that where who would sound more natural.
- Ignoring the difference in formality dictated by the context.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Mastering when to use who vs. that is essential for clear, grammatically correct sentences about people. Remember, who adds a touch of formality and precision, while that offers versatility and conversational ease. By understanding the roles of these pronouns and their clause types, you can confidently craft sentences that are both correct and impactful.
So next time you’re describing someone, ask yourself: Is this essential info? Does the clause add just extra detail? Then choose the right relative pronoun accordingly. Improve your grammar skills today and watch your writing become more professional and polished!
By mastering these subtle but important differences, you’ll elevate your writing and avoid common mistakes. Keep practicing, and you’ll find it easier to distinguish between who and that when referencing people. Happy writing!