This vs. Who

Attribute	This	Who
Definition	Refers to something that is close or near	Refers to a person or group of people
Usage	Used to point out something specific or present	Used to refer to a person or group of people
Grammatical Role	Pronoun	Pronoun
Examples	This book is interesting.	Who is coming to the party?

Definition

When it comes to the English language, the words "this" and "who" are both pronouns that are used to refer to people, things, or ideas. However, they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings.

Usage

The word "this" is typically used to refer to something that is close in proximity or something that has just been mentioned. For example, "I like this book" or "This is my favorite restaurant." On the other hand, the word "who" is used to refer to people or animals. For example, "Who is that person?" or "Who is coming to the party?"

Function

While both "this" and "who" are pronouns, they serve different functions in a sentence. "This" is often used as a demonstrative pronoun to point out or identify something specific, while "who" is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a clause that provides more information about a person or thing.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "this" and "who":

• "I love this song." (using "this" to refer to a specific song)
• "Who is that man?" (using "who" to ask about a specific person)
• "This is the best day of my life." (using "this" to refer to the current day)
• "She is the one who won the competition." (using "who" to provide more information about the person who won)

Context

Understanding when to use "this" and "who" depends on the context of the sentence. If you are talking about something that is nearby or has just been mentioned, you would use "this." If you are referring to a person or asking about someone's identity, you would use "who."

Clarity

Using the correct pronoun can help make your writing more clear and concise. By choosing between "this" and "who" based on the context and meaning you want to convey, you can ensure that your message is easily understood by your audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "this" and "who" are both pronouns used in the English language, they have distinct differences in terms of usage, function, and context. By understanding these differences and using them appropriately, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.