They vs. Who

Attribute	They	Who
Subject pronoun	They	Who
Plural form	Yes	No
Refers to people	Yes	Yes
Used for asking about people	No	Yes

Introduction

When it comes to pronouns, "they" and "who" are two commonly used words in the English language. While both serve as pronouns, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between "they" and "who" in terms of usage, grammatical function, and context.

Usage

The pronoun "they" is typically used to refer to a group of people or things. For example, "They are going to the store" indicates that a group of individuals is going to the store. On the other hand, the pronoun "who" is used to refer to individuals or specific entities. For instance, "Who is coming to the party?" asks about the identity of a particular person attending the party.

Grammatical Function

Grammatically, "they" is a third-person plural pronoun, which means it refers to more than one person or thing. It can also be used as a singular pronoun in cases where the gender of the individual is unknown or when referring to a non-binary person. In contrast, "who" is an interrogative pronoun that is used to ask questions about people or things. It is also used as a relative pronoun to introduce a clause that provides additional information about a person or thing.

Context

The context in which "they" and "who" are used can also differ. "They" is often used in casual or informal settings when referring to a group of people. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and written communication. On the other hand, "who" is more formal and is typically used in more structured or professional contexts, such as interviews, academic writing, or formal speeches.

Examples

To further illustrate the differences between "they" and "who," let's look at some examples:

• "They are going to the movies tonight." (referring to a group of people)
• "Who is the new CEO of the company?" (asking about a specific person)
• "They have been working on this project for months." (referring to a group of individuals)
• "Who wrote this book?" (inquiring about the author)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "they" and "who" are pronouns used in the English language, they have distinct attributes in terms of usage, grammatical function, and context. Understanding the differences between these two pronouns can help improve communication and clarity in writing and speech. Whether you are referring to a group of people or asking about a specific individual, knowing when to use "they" or "who" can enhance your language skills and convey your message effectively.