When to Use “Who” vs. “That”

Welcome to the wonderful world of grammar! It’s a place where rules can seem as tricky as a cat trying to catch a laser pointer. Today, we’re diving into one of the most common dilemmas in English: when to use "who" versus "that." If you've ever found yourself second-guessing your word choice, fret not! By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at choosing the right word. Grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let’s get started!

Who vs. That: The Basics

First, let’s lay down the law! At its core, "who" and "that" serve as relative pronouns, which means they help us connect clauses or phrases to nouns. However, they have distinct roles:

• Who is used exclusively for people.
• That can refer to both people and things.

Let’s think of it this way: when you’re talking about your best friend, you’d say, “My best friend, who loves chocolate, is coming over.” If you’re chatting about a book, you’d say, “The book that I’m reading is fascinating.” Easy enough, right?

The People Pleaser: Using “Who”

Now, let’s dive deeper into the charming world of “who.” Remember, this word is your go-to when you’re referring to people. It's almost like a VIP pass to the realm of human beings. Here are some examples to guide you:

• “The teacher who inspires me the most is Ms. Johnson.”
• “She’s the artist who painted that mural downtown.”

In these sentences, "who" is doing its job of connecting the clause to a person. It’s important to note that "who" can also be used in various grammatical forms, such as "whom." But let’s save "whom" for another day—it’s a bit more of a party crasher in the grammar world!

The Non-Restrictive and Restrictive Clause

When using "who," you might encounter two types of clauses: restrictive and non-restrictive.

1. Restrictive Clauses: These are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They tell us exactly which person we’re talking about. For example:

• “The author who wrote the bestseller is giving a talk.”

  Here, the clause is crucial because it specifies which author we’re discussing.

1. Non-Restrictive Clauses: These add extra information but aren’t essential to the sentence's meaning. They are usually set off by commas. For instance:

• “My sister, who lives in New York, is visiting us.”

  In this case, we already know which sister we’re talking about; the clause provides additional, non-essential information.

The All-Purpose Pronoun: Using “That”

Now, let’s turn our attention to “that.” This versatile pronoun is like a Swiss Army knife—it can refer to people and things, making it a handy tool in your grammar toolbox. Here’s how to wield it effectively:

• “The dog that barks the loudest lives next door.”
• “She’s the author that wrote that fantastic novel.”

Notice how “that” fits in seamlessly with both people and objects! But remember, "that" is typically used in restrictive clauses. This means that the information it provides is essential for understanding the sentence.

Restrictive Clauses with “That”

When you use "that," the clause it introduces is crucial to the overall meaning. For example:

• “The car that won the race is red.”

Here, without “that,” we wouldn’t know which car we’re talking about. So, "that" is doing the heavy lifting by specifying the subject.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even the most seasoned writers sometimes stumble over the "who" vs. "that" distinction. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Using “that” for people in non-restrictive clauses:

• Incorrect: “My mother, that is an amazing cook, makes dinner every Sunday.”
• Correct: “My mother, who is an amazing cook, makes dinner every Sunday.”

1. Confusing restrictive and non-restrictive clauses:

• Incorrect: “The book, that I borrowed from you, is on the table.”
• Correct: “The book that I borrowed from you is on the table.”

1. Forgetting about “whom”: While "whom" is less commonly used in everyday conversation, it’s still good to know. Use "whom" when it acts as the object of a verb or preposition. For example:

• “To whom should I address the letter?”

Fun Tips to Remember

If you’re still feeling a bit wobbly on the "who" vs. "that" tightrope, here are some fun tips to help you remember:

• People vs. Things: If you can replace the pronoun with “he” or “she,” use "who." If you can replace it with "it," use "that."
• Comma Check: If your clause is non-restrictive (extra information), use "who." If it’s restrictive (essential information), use "that."
• Trust Your Instincts: Language is fluid, and while grammar rules are important, the way we communicate can also evolve. If something sounds right to you, trust your gut!

Conclusion: Mastering "Who" and "That"

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our grammar adventure! Armed with the knowledge of when to use “who” versus “that,” you’re now ready to tackle your writing with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these pronouns correctly, the easier it will become.

So, the next time you find yourself in a "who" vs. "that" situation, just take a deep breath, remember these rules, and let your words flow. Happy writing, and may your grammar be ever in your favor!

Feel free to share your thoughts or any tricky grammar questions you have in the comments below. Until next time, keep uncovering the wonders of words!