When exploring the intricacies of English grammar, one question that often comes up is: "When do I use 'who' and when do I use 'that'?" Many students and writers struggle to determine the right choice, leading to confusion and sometimes awkward sentences. Rest assured, understanding the difference between these two relative pronouns is simpler than it looks once you grasp the rules and their proper application.
So how clear is your understanding of "who" versus "that"? The core difference lies in their function: "who" is used to refer to people, while "that" can refer to people or things, depending on the context and sentence structure. Correct usage hinges on whether you're talking about a person or an object/thing. Keep reading, and you'll learn how to master their correct placement, avoid common mistakes, and build sentences that sound natural and grammatically sound.
If you find grammar puzzles often frustrate your writing process, don’t worry! By the end of this article, you’ll have a straightforward, practical understanding of “who vs that” along with useful tips, common errors to avoid, and exercises to reinforce your learning.
The Difference Between "Who" and "That" in English Grammar
What Is "Who"?
"Who" is a relative pronoun specifically used to refer to people. It introduces a relative clause that provides more information about a person or persons. Using "who" correctly adds clarity and formality to your sentence.
Definition:
- "Who": A relative pronoun used for people, often as the subject of the relative clause.
Examples:
- The teacher who teaches math is very kind.
- I met the woman who won the contest.
What Is "That"?
"That" is a versatile relative pronoun that can refer to people, animals, or things. It is considered less formal than "who," but it is often used in both writing and speech for its simplicity.
Definition:
- "That": A relative pronoun used to refer to people (less formally), animals, or objects; often introduces a restrictive relative clause.
Examples:
- The book that I borrowed is fascinating.
- The dog that barked loudly ran away.
- The student that excels in science will be awarded.
When to Use "Who" vs "That": Rules and Guidelines
Proper usage of "who" and "that" depends heavily on the context and the object or subject in question. Below is a comprehensive table to clarify.
| Situation | Use "Who" | Use "That" | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referring to people as the subject | ✓ | ✗ | Use "who" for clarity and correctness. |
| Referring to people as the object | ✓ | ✓ | Both can be used, but "who" is more formal. |
| Referring to things or objects | ✗ | ✓ | Use "that" for objects or things. |
| Non-restrictive clauses (additional info, not essential) | "who" is preferred | Less common | "Who" is more formal and precise. |
| Restrictive clauses (essential info) | "that" or "who" (preferably "that" for objects) | ✓ | Both work, but be mindful of tone and formality. |
| In defining/not defining clauses | "that" is common | "who" can sometimes be used | "That" is generally preferred in essential clauses. |
Quick Summary:
- Use "who" when referring to people in a nonrestrictive or formal context.
- Use "that" when referring to people, animals, or things, especially in restrictive clauses.
Practical Examples with Explanation
Examples Using "Who"
- The woman who called yesterday wants to meet.
- My brother who lives in Canada is visiting next week.
- The author who wrote this book is famous.
Note: When referring to a person who is the subject of the relative clause, "who" feels more natural and grammatically correct.
Examples Using "That"
- The car that I bought last year is already having problems.
- The students that study regularly perform better.
- The movie that we watched was incredible.
Note: When describing objects or essential information about a person, "that" is suitable.
Important Rules and Tips for Correct Usage
1. Use "Who" for People (Subject Position)
- When the pronoun replaces the subject of the clause, "who" is appropriate.
Example:
- The nurse who cares for patients is kind.
("Who" is the subject of "cares.")
2. Use "That" for Things and Objects
- "That" often introduces defining or essential clauses about objects or individuals.
Example:
- The house that has a red door is ours.
3. When in Doubt, Use "Who" for People and "That" for Everything Else
- This is the safest rule to avoid grammatical errors, especially in formal writing.
4. "Who" vs "Whom"
- Remember, "who" is the subject form, and "whom" is used for the object form (less common in modern usage).
5. Restrictive vs Non-Restrictive Clauses
- Restrictive clauses limit the meaning of the subject. They usually do not have commas, and "that" or "who" can be used.
- Non-restrictive clauses add extra info; they are set off by commas and prefer "who."
Example:
- The students who study hard pass exams. (restrictive)
- My students, who study hard, pass exams. (non-restrictive)
Common Mistakes to Avoid and How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Explanation | Correct Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Using "that" instead of "who" for a person | Less formal, sometimes considered incorrect | "The man who is tall" |
| Using "who" with objects | "Who" cannot refer to objects | Use "that" or omit the pronoun |
| Omitting the relative pronoun altogether | Creates sentence fragments | "The book that I read" (not "The book I read") |
| Mixing restrictive and non-restrictive clauses | Confuses sentence flow | Use commas for non-restrictive clauses and "who" |
Tips for Success in Using "Who" and "That"
- Always consider whether you're referring to a person or an object.
- Prefer "who" for formal contexts when talking about people.
- Use "that" for essential information about objects or when speaking informally.
- Practice by replacing the relative pronoun with "he" or "she" to see if the sentence still makes sense.
- When in doubt, consult a grammar guide or style manual.
Variations and Flexibility in Usage
While the rules above are standard, flexible usage exists in informal contexts. For example, contractions like:
- "The guy that I saw yesterday" (more common in speech)
- "The girl who I met is nice" (more formal)
Different regions and writers may have their preferences, but clarity should always be the priority.
Demonstrating Proper Use of Multiple Relative Pronouns
When combining multiple clauses:
Incorrect:
- The student who I saw, that was late, apologized.
Correct:
- The student who I saw that was late apologized.
However, better style might avoid repetition:
- The student who was late that I saw apologized.
Be cautious—overuse of "that" and "who" can clutter sentences; using clearer sentence structures is often preferable.
Rich Vocabulary and Why It Matters
Using precise relative pronouns enhances your writing clarity, professionalism, and persuasiveness. Choosing between "who" and "that" isn't just about grammar rules but about conveying relationships accurately. Expanding your vocabulary around such terms enables more nuanced, sophisticated expression.
Putting It All Together: The Five Categories of Descriptive Language
Building rich, detailed sentences involves using descriptive words wisely. Here's how "who" and "that" function within different categories:
| Category | Example with "Who" | Example with "That" |
|---|---|---|
| Personality Traits | The teacher who is patient | The coach that is supportive |
| Physical Descriptions | The girl who is tall | The statue that is ancient |
| Role-Based Descriptors | The doctor who cares deeply | The employee that works weekends |
| Cultural/Background | The artist who is modern | The tradition that is ancient |
| Emotional Attributes | The parent who is nurturing | The friend that is encouraging |
Grammar Instruction: Correct Positioning of Relative Pronouns
Proper placement of "who" and "that" impacts clarity:
- Place after the noun it describes.
- The relative clause should immediately follow the noun.
- When in doubt, keep the sentence simple and avoid misplaced modifiers.
Practice Exercises
Fill-in-the-Blank
- The policeman ___ was injured received an award.
- I met the artist ___ work is displayed downtown.
- The students ___ study every day tend to perform better.
Error Correction
Identify and fix the mistake:
- The book that, I bought last week, is missing.
Identification
Identify whether "who" or "that" should be used:
- The singer ___ won the award is very talented.
Conclusion: Mastering "Who" and "That" for Clear, Effective Writing
Understanding when and how to use "who" versus "that" is essential for grammatical accuracy and clarity. By following these rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you'll improve your sentence structure and elevate your writing. Remember, the key is recognizing whether you're describing a person or an object, then choosing the appropriate pronoun. Keep practicing, and soon these choices will become second nature.
If you want to write more confidently and communicate your ideas with precision, mastering "who" and "that" is a crucial step. So, keep these tips in mind, and happy writing!