That vs. Who

Attribute	That	Who
Usage	Refers to things or objects	Refers to people
Subject pronoun	It	He/She/They
Object pronoun	It	Him/Her/Them
Relative pronoun	Used to introduce restrictive clauses	Used to introduce both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses

When it comes to writing, choosing the right pronoun can make a big difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your sentences. Two commonly used pronouns, "that" and "who," may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they actually have distinct attributes that can impact the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the differences between "that" and "who" and provide examples to illustrate their usage.

Definition and Usage of "That"

The pronoun "that" is often used to introduce restrictive clauses in a sentence. A restrictive clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies and cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "I need the book that is on the table," the word "that" introduces the restrictive clause "is on the table," which specifies which book is needed. In this context, "that" helps to narrow down the selection of books to the one on the table.

Additionally, "that" is commonly used to refer to inanimate objects, animals, and sometimes people in a more formal or impersonal context. For instance, in the sentence "The car that I bought last week is already in the shop," the pronoun "that" is used to refer to the car as an inanimate object. In this case, "that" helps to specify which car is being discussed without adding unnecessary information.

Definition and Usage of "Who"

In contrast to "that," the pronoun "who" is used to refer specifically to people or, in some cases, animals with personalities or characteristics similar to humans. "Who" is often used to introduce restrictive clauses that provide essential information about a person or group of people. For example, in the sentence "She is the doctor who saved my life," the word "who" introduces the restrictive clause "saved my life," which specifies the doctor's significant action.

Furthermore, "who" is commonly used in informal or personal contexts to emphasize the human qualities or characteristics of the person being referred to. For instance, in the sentence "The woman who lives next door is a talented artist," the pronoun "who" highlights the woman's identity and talents. In this context, "who" adds a personal touch to the sentence and creates a stronger connection between the reader and the subject.

Key Differences Between "That" and "Who"

One of the key differences between "that" and "who" is their ability to refer to different types of nouns. While "that" is typically used to refer to inanimate objects, animals, and sometimes people in a formal context, "who" is specifically used to refer to people or animals with human-like qualities in a more personal or informal context. This distinction can impact the tone and style of a sentence, depending on the intended audience and message.

Another important difference between "that" and "who" is their role in introducing restrictive clauses. "That" is often used to introduce restrictive clauses that provide essential information about a noun, while "who" is specifically used to introduce restrictive clauses that provide essential information about a person or group of people. Understanding this distinction can help writers choose the appropriate pronoun to convey their intended meaning clearly and effectively.

Examples of "That" and "Who" in Sentences

To further illustrate the differences between "that" and "who," let's consider some examples of their usage in sentences:

• "The house that Jack built is now for sale." (using "that" to refer to an inanimate object)
• "The dog that barks loudly at night belongs to my neighbor." (using "that" to refer to an animal)
• "The teacher that inspired me to pursue my passion for writing retired last year." (using "that" to refer to a person in a formal context)
• "The girl who won the competition is my best friend." (using "who" to refer to a person with human-like qualities)
• "The cat who always greets me at the door is very friendly." (using "who" to refer to an animal with human-like qualities)

By examining these examples, we can see how the choice between "that" and "who" can impact the clarity and specificity of a sentence. Whether referring to inanimate objects, animals, or people, selecting the appropriate pronoun is essential for conveying the intended meaning effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pronouns "that" and "who" have distinct attributes that can influence the tone, style, and clarity of a sentence. While "that" is commonly used to refer to inanimate objects, animals, and sometimes people in a formal context, "who" is specifically used to refer to people or animals with human-like qualities in a more personal or informal context. Understanding the differences between "that" and "who" can help writers choose the appropriate pronoun to convey their intended meaning accurately and effectively.