Table of Contents
Quick Overview
Understanding the difference between Who and That is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.
| Feature | Who | That |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A relative pronoun used exclusively to introduce clauses about people | A relative pronoun used to introduce clauses about things, animals, or groups |
| Part of Speech | Relative Pronoun | Relative Pronoun |
| Pronunciation | /huː/ (rhymes with too) | /ðæt/ (rhymes with cat) |
| Common Contexts | Individuals, specific people, professions, human traits | Objects, animals, concepts, teams, committees, restrictive clauses |
| Example | The doctor who treated me was kind. | The book that I read was long. |
| Memory Trick | Who = Human | That = Thing |
Understanding "Who"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Pronoun)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Understanding "That"
A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.
Meaning
Pronunciation
Word Class (Pronoun)
Grammar
Common Uses
Literal Meaning
Figurative Meaning
American English Usage
Typical Sentence Patterns
Common Collocations
Key Differences
Core Definition
Who refers to people. That refers to things, animals, or groups.
Restrictive vs. Non-Restrictive
Who can be used with or without commas. That is only used without commas (restrictive clauses).
Formality
Using 'who' for people is the formal standard. Using 'that' for people is informal and generally avoided in writing.
Pronunciation
Who is pronounced /huː/ (rhymes with too). That is pronounced /ðæt/ (rhymes with cat).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Who | That |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A relative pronoun used exclusively to introduce clauses about people | A relative pronoun used to introduce clauses about things, animals, or groups |
| Part of Speech | Relative Pronoun | Relative Pronoun |
| Pronunciation | /huː/ (rhymes with too) | /ðæt/ (rhymes with cat) |
| Common Contexts | Individuals, specific people, professions, human traits | Objects, animals, concepts, teams, committees, restrictive clauses |
| Example | The doctor who treated me was kind. | The book that I read was long. |
| Memory Trick | Who = Human | That = Thing |
Grammar Rules
Grammar Rules & Mechanics
Understanding the distinction between people and things, as well as restrictive and non-restrictive clauses, is key to never confusing 'who' and 'that' again.
Human vs. Non-Human
'Who' is for humans. 'That' is for things and animals.
- Correct: The doctor who treated me was kind.
- Incorrect: The doctor that treated me was kind.
- Correct: The book that I read was long.
- Incorrect: The book who I read was long.
'Who' is correct because a doctor is a person. 'That' is informal and discouraged here.
'That' is correct because a book is a thing. 'Who' cannot be used for objects.
Groups of People
When referring to a collective noun (like a team or committee) as a single unit, use 'that'.
- Correct: The team that wins the championship gets a trophy.
- Incorrect: The team who wins the championship gets a trophy.
'That' is preferred for groups acting as a single entity.
Non-Restrictive Clauses (Commas)
If the clause is set off by commas, you must use 'who' for people, never 'that'.
- Correct: My father, who is a pilot, travels a lot.
- Incorrect: My father, that is a pilot, travels a lot.
'That' cannot follow a comma. You must use 'who' for non-essential information about a person.
Pets and Animals
Use 'that' for animals in general, but 'who' is acceptable for named pets treated as family members.
- Correct: My cat, who is named Whiskers, is sleeping.
- Incorrect: My cat, that is named Whiskers, is sleeping.
For personalized pets with names, 'who' is acceptable and often preferred by owners.
When to Use "Who"
Specific scenarios where 'who' is the correct choice. It is a relative pronoun used to refer to human beings.
Referring to Individuals
Use 'who' when the relative clause describes a specific person.
Example: The man who lives next door is a doctor.
Describing Professions
Use 'who' when describing people by their job or career.
Example: She is a lawyer who specializes in family law.
Non-Restrictive Clauses
Use 'who' after a comma to add extra, non-essential information about a person.
Example: My mother, who is an artist, painted this picture.
Asking About Identity
Use 'who' to inquire about a person's identity or characteristics.
Example: Who is the person standing by the door?
Referring to Pets with Names
Use 'who' for animals when they are treated as individuals with names.
Example: I have a dog named Buddy who loves to swim.
Describing Personalities
Use 'who' when detailing someone's character traits.
Example: He is the kind of person who always helps others.
Subject of the Clause
Use 'who' as the subject performing the action in the relative clause.
Example: The student who won the award gave a speech.
Object of the Clause
Use 'whom' (formal) or 'who' (informal) as the object receiving the action.
Example: The candidate who we interviewed yesterday got the job.
When to Use "That"
Specific scenarios where 'that' is the correct choice. It is a relative pronoun used for things, concepts, animals, and groups of people.
Referring to Objects
Use 'that' when the relative clause describes an inanimate physical object.
Example: The car that I bought last year is already having issues.
Referring to Concepts
Use 'that' when describing abstract ideas or theories.
Example: The idea that time travel is possible is fascinating.
Referring to Animals
Use 'that' for animals, especially when they are not personalized with names.
Example: The bird that built a nest on my porch is loud.
Referring to Groups
Use 'that' for collective nouns like 'team' or 'committee' when acting as a single unit.
Example: The team that wins the final gets the trophy.
Restrictive Clauses
Use 'that' to introduce essential information without commas that limits the noun.
Example: The book that I borrowed from the library is overdue.
Cleft Sentences
Use 'that' in cleft sentences to emphasize a specific point.
Example: It was the rain that ruined the picnic.
Referring to Places
Use 'that' informally to refer to a location (though 'where' is often preferred).
Example: This is the place that we first met.
Referring to Time
Use 'that' to refer to a specific period or moment.
Example: The year that we moved to California was very hot.
Common Expressions
Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.
Expressions with "Who"
1. The man who
Meaning: Referring to a specific male individual.
Example: The man who fixed my pipes did a great job.
2. The woman who
Meaning: Referring to a specific female individual.
Example: The woman who works at the front desk is helpful.
3. Someone who
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified person.
Example: I need someone who can speak French.
4. Anyone who
Meaning: Referring to any person meeting a condition.
Example: Anyone who wants to join the club should sign up.
5. People who
Meaning: Referring to a general group of individuals.
Example: People who exercise tend to live longer.
6. A friend who
Meaning: Describing a personal relationship.
Example: She is a friend who always tells the truth.
7. A doctor who
Meaning: Describing a medical professional.
Example: I am looking for a doctor who accepts my insurance.
8. The boy who
Meaning: Referring to a young male.
Example: The boy who threw the ball apologized.
9. The girl who
Meaning: Referring to a young female.
Example: The girl who won the spelling bee was proud.
10. Those who
Meaning: Formal way to refer to a specific group of people.
Example: Those who arrive early get the best seats.
11. A teacher who
Meaning: Describing an educator.
Example: He is a teacher who inspires his students.
12. The candidate who
Meaning: Referring to a job applicant or political runner.
Example: The candidate who wins the debate might win the election.
13. The student who
Meaning: Referring to a person studying.
Example: The student who cheated was expelled.
14. A leader who
Meaning: Describing someone in charge.
Example: We need a leader who is not afraid to take risks.
15. The child who
Meaning: Referring to a young person.
Example: The child who cried earlier is now smiling.
16. The actor who
Meaning: Referring to a performer.
Example: The actor who played the villain was very convincing.
17. A person who
Meaning: Referring to an individual human.
Example: He is a person who keeps his promises.
18. The scientist who
Meaning: Referring to a researcher.
Example: The scientist who discovered the cure won a prize.
19. The writer who
Meaning: Referring to an author.
Example: The writer who penned this novel is famous.
20. A boss who
Meaning: Describing a manager or supervisor.
Example: She is a boss who listens to her employees.
Expressions with "That"
1. The car that
Meaning: Referring to a vehicle.
Example: The car that I drive is very old.
2. The book that
Meaning: Referring to a written work.
Example: The book that I am reading is a thriller.
3. The thing that
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified object or concept.
Example: The thing that bothers me is the noise.
4. Something that
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified thing.
Example: I need something that is easy to carry.
5. Anything that
Meaning: Referring to any object meeting a condition.
Example: I will eat anything that does not have meat.
6. Everything that
Meaning: Referring to all things in a category.
Example: He packed everything that he owned.
7. The fact that
Meaning: Referring to a piece of information.
Example: The fact that he lied is unacceptable.
8. The team that
Meaning: Referring to a sports or corporate group as a unit.
Example: The team that scores first usually wins.
9. The idea that
Meaning: Referring to a concept or thought.
Example: The idea that we can travel to Mars is exciting.
10. The place that
Meaning: Referring to a location.
Example: This is the place that we met years ago.
11. The movie that
Meaning: Referring to a film.
Example: The movie that we watched last night was scary.
12. The house that
Meaning: Referring to a building or home.
Example: The house that Jack built is falling apart.
13. The dog that
Meaning: Referring to an animal.
Example: The dog that barks at night is annoying.
14. The problem that
Meaning: Referring to an issue.
Example: The problem that we face is a lack of funds.
15. The day that
Meaning: Referring to a specific time.
Example: I remember the day that we first spoke.
16. The computer that
Meaning: Referring to a device.
Example: The computer that I use for work is slow.
17. The company that
Meaning: Referring to a corporate entity.
Example: The company that manufactures these parts is overseas.
18. The reason that
Meaning: Referring to a cause or explanation.
Example: The reason that I am late is the traffic.
19. Nothing that
Meaning: Referring to an absence of things.
Example: There is nothing that can stop us now.
20. The committee that
Meaning: Referring to a decision-making group.
Example: The committee that reviews the applications meets on Tuesdays.
Collocations
The man who
Meaning: Referring to a specific male individual.
Example: The man who called you is waiting.
Someone who
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified person.
Example: I need to hire someone who knows coding.
People who
Meaning: Referring to a general group of individuals.
Example: People who wake up early are often more productive.
Anyone who
Meaning: Referring to any person meeting a condition.
Example: Anyone who breaks the rule will be punished.
Those who
Meaning: Formal way to refer to a specific group of people.
Example: Those who finish early may leave.
A friend who
Meaning: Describing a personal relationship.
Example: She is a friend who always supports me.
The woman who
Meaning: Referring to a specific female individual.
Example: The woman who lives upstairs is a nurse.
A doctor who
Meaning: Describing a medical professional.
Example: Find a doctor who understands your history.
The boy who
Meaning: Referring to a young male.
Example: The boy who broke the window ran away.
The girl who
Meaning: Referring to a young female.
Example: The girl who won the race smiled proudly.
The thing that
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified object or concept.
Example: The thing that I hate most is lying.
Something that
Meaning: Referring to an unspecified thing.
Example: He said something that made me angry.
The fact that
Meaning: Referring to a piece of information.
Example: The fact that she survived is a miracle.
The car that
Meaning: Referring to a vehicle.
Example: The car that he drives is electric.
Everything that
Meaning: Referring to all things in a category.
Example: Everything that he owns is in storage.
The book that
Meaning: Referring to a written work.
Example: The book that she wrote is a bestseller.
The team that
Meaning: Referring to a sports or corporate group as a unit.
Example: The team that plays best will win.
The idea that
Meaning: Referring to a concept or thought.
Example: The idea that we can fail is scary.
Anything that
Meaning: Referring to any object meeting a condition.
Example: I will buy anything that is on sale.
The place that
Meaning: Referring to a location.
Example: The place that we visited was beautiful.
Idioms
Who's who
Meaning: A guide or list of prominent people in a specific field.
Example: That magazine publishes an annual who's who of the tech industry.
Who knows
Meaning: An expression of uncertainty.
Example: Who knows what the weather will be like tomorrow.
Who cares
Meaning: A rhetorical question implying something is unimportant.
Example: So what if he didn't call? Who cares!
Who's to say
Meaning: Questioning who has the authority to decide.
Example: Who's to say that my plan won't work better?
Who'd have thought
Meaning: An expression of surprise about an outcome.
Example: He actually passed the exam. Who'd have thought?
Who am I to judge
Meaning: A humble statement declining to criticize.
Example: She spends all her money on shoes, but who am I to judge.
Who's on first
Meaning: A famous comedy routine, often used to describe confusing situations.
Example: Trying to understand this new software is like asking who's on first.
Who says
Meaning: A defiant question challenging an assumption.
Example: Who says we can't leave work early today?
Who does that
Meaning: An expression of disbelief at someone's rude or strange behavior.
Example: He just took my coffee without asking. Who does that?
Who else
Meaning: A question asking for additional people.
Example: If we don't invite John, who else is coming to the party?
That's that
Meaning: A concluding statement meaning there is nothing more to say or do.
Example: I've made my decision, and that's that.
Just like that
Meaning: Happening suddenly or effortlessly.
Example: I snapped my fingers, and the dog sat down just like that.
That is to say
Meaning: A phrase used to clarify or rephrase a statement.
Example: I'm a bit busy; that is to say, I cannot help you right now.
So that
Meaning: In order to achieve a specific result.
Example: I set an alarm so that I wouldn't be late.
Now that
Meaning: Because the thing has happened or is true.
Example: Now that it's raining, we should stay inside.
That's life
Meaning: An acceptance of misfortune as normal.
Example: I lost my wallet, but oh well, that's life.
That's right
Meaning: An affirmation confirming a statement.
Example: You said the meeting is at 3 PM, and that's right.
For all that
Meaning: Despite everything.
Example: He complains a lot, but for all that, he is a hard worker.
In that
Meaning: For the reason that; because.
Example: This computer is better in that it has more memory.
That much
Meaning: To a certain degree; as much as implied.
Example: I don't like him that much, but he is okay.
Example Sentences
Easy
- The boy who lives next door is my friend.
- The book that I read was very good.
- She is the girl who won the race.
- The car that broke down is red.
- I know a man who can fix your sink.
- The dog that bit me was big.
- Who is at the door?
- The movie that we watched was funny.
- The teacher who teaches math is nice.
- This is the toy that I want for my birthday.
- He is the one who took the last cookie.
- The tree that fell in the storm was old.
- The lady who works at the bank is helpful.
- The song that is playing is my favorite.
- Who wants to go to the park?
- The computer that I use is new.
- The baby who is crying needs milk.
- The pen that I lost was blue.
- He is the doctor who cured my illness.
- The cake that she baked was delicious.
Intermediate
- The candidate who wins the debate will likely win the election.
- The laptop that I bought last year is already outdated.
- My boss, who is usually very calm, yelled at the meeting.
- The fact that he lied on his resume was discovered by HR.
- She is someone who always stands up for what she believes in.
- The team that scores the most points wins the championship.
- The author who wrote this novel is coming to the library.
- The house that we wanted to buy was already sold.
- Anyone who arrives late will not be allowed into the theater.
- The idea that we can travel to Mars is becoming a reality.
- The mechanic who fixed my brakes did a fantastic job.
- The storm that hit the coast caused massive damage.
- The student who cheated on the test was expelled.
- The phone that I dropped in the water still works.
- People who exercise regularly tend to have more energy.
- The reason that he gave for being late was ridiculous.
- The lawyer who handled my case was very expensive.
- The restaurant that we went to last night had great reviews.
- The scientist who discovered the new element won a Nobel Prize.
- The noise that the machine makes is very annoying.
Advanced
- The CEO, who has been with the company for decades, announced her retirement.
- The paradigm that governed 20th-century physics was shattered by quantum mechanics.
- The diplomat who brokered the peace treaty was nominated for the award.
- The legislation that was passed yesterday will fundamentally alter the tax code.
- She is the only researcher who has successfully replicated the results.
- The committee that oversees the budget meets behind closed doors.
- The architect who designed the skyscraper incorporated sustainable materials.
- The socio-economic theory that prevailed during the era was ultimately debunked.
- The journalist who uncovered the scandal received numerous threats.
- The algorithm that powers the search engine is constantly being updated.
- The artist who painted the mural used a technique popular in the Renaissance.
- The mutation that causes the disease has been isolated by geneticists.
- The general who commanded the troops was relieved of his duty.
- The phenomenon that baffled astronomers for centuries is now understood.
- The protagonist, who is deeply flawed, ultimately redeems himself in the final act.
- The treaty that ended the war was signed in a neutral country.
- The hacker who breached the firewall left no digital footprint.
- The ecological disaster that wiped out the dinosaurs was likely an asteroid.
- The maestro who conducted the symphony brought the audience to tears.
- The encryption protocol that secures the data is virtually unbreakable.
Academic
- The philosopher who posited the theory of forms influenced countless subsequent thinkers.
- The methodology that was employed in this study ensures empirical objectivity.
- Participants who exhibited signs of cognitive decline were excluded from the sample.
- The hypothesis that the researchers formulated was ultimately corroborated by the data.
- The historian who translated the manuscript noted several glaring chronological discrepancies.
- The variable that confounded the results was not accounted for in the initial model.
- Scholars who specialize in medieval literature often face a scarcity of primary sources.
- The theorem that the mathematician proved revolutionized the field of topology.
- The sociologist who conducted the ethnography published her findings in a peer-reviewed journal.
- The paradigm that dominated the discipline for decades is now subject to rigorous critique.
- The linguist who analyzed the syntax argued that the language follows a strict morphological rule.
- The archaeological evidence that was unearthed last summer suggests a previously unknown civilization.
- Researchers who replicate the experiment must adhere strictly to the established protocol.
- The framework that integrates these disparate theories offers a comprehensive view of human behavior.
- The chemist who synthesized the compound was awarded a patent for the process.
- The economic policy that was implemented during the crisis had unforeseen inflationary effects.
- The literary critic who deconstructed the text revealed underlying themes of alienation.
- The environmental factor that triggered the algae bloom was an excess of agricultural runoff.
- The anthropologist who studied the tribe noted a matrilineal system of inheritance.
- The dataset that was utilized for the regression analysis contained over a million entries.
Business
- The vendor who supplies our components missed the shipping deadline.
- The software that we implemented has increased productivity by twenty percent.
- The manager who oversees the project has extensive experience in agile methodologies.
- The contract that we signed last year is up for renewal.
- Employees who exceed their quarterly targets receive a substantial bonus.
- The machine that manufactures the parts requires frequent calibration.
- The consultant who audited our finances recommended cost-cutting measures.
- The marketing campaign that launched in Q3 generated a high return on investment.
- The client who complained yesterday has been appeased.
- The building that houses our headquarters is up for sale.
- The executive who approved the merger retired abruptly.
- The policy that dictates remote work was updated in the employee handbook.
- The startup that pitched at the conference secured significant funding.
- The database that stores customer information is encrypted.
- The shareholder who raised the objection was overruled by the majority.
- The product that launched last month is already backordered.
- The auditor who reviewed the accounts found no discrepancies.
- The department that handles logistics is moving to a new floor.
- The candidate who interviewed this morning has excellent references.
- The agreement that was reached avoids a potential strike.
Real-Life Conversations
Office
Colleague 1: Who is the new employee starting today?
Colleague 2: His name is Mark. He is the developer who worked at Google.
Colleague 1: Great. Is he working on the project that we just pitched?
Colleague 2: Yes, he is the only person who knows that specific coding language.
Retail
Customer: Who manages this store?
Cashier: The man who is standing by the registers is the manager.
Customer: I want to return the shirt that I bought yesterday.
Cashier: Sure. Anyone who works at the customer service desk can help you.
School
Student: Who teaches history this year?
Teacher: Mr. Smith is the teacher who took over the history department.
Student: Is he the one that gives a lot of homework?
Teacher: He is a teacher who expects a lot from his students, yes.
Tech Support
Caller: Who can help me reset my password?
Agent: I can. What is the computer that you are using?
Caller: It is the laptop that I bought from you last month.
Formal vs Informal Usage
Academic Writing
In academic contexts, 'who' is strictly for human subjects, while 'that' is used for inanimate objects or concepts.
Example: The researcher who conducted the study used a methodology that is widely accepted.
Legal Documents
Legal writing uses 'who' for individuals (parties, plaintiffs) and 'that' for entities or clauses.
Example: Any person who signs this contract is bound by the terms that are outlined herein.
Business English
Corporate Communications
In business, 'who' describes employees or leaders, while 'that' describes the company as a single entity.
Example: We need a CEO who can lead the company that we are building.
Human Resources
HR uses 'who' exclusively when referring to job candidates and personnel.
Example: We are looking for a candidate who has five years of experience.
Academic Writing
Scientific Research
In science, 'that' is used for variables, data, and phenomena, while 'who' is used for the researchers.
Example: The scientists who observed the reaction noted a variable that was not predicted.
Literary Criticism
In literary analysis, 'who' is used for characters, while 'that' is used for themes or plot devices.
Example: The protagonist who struggles with his identity faces a conflict that is both internal and external.
Common Mistakes
The man that lives next door is a doctor.
Correct: The man who lives next door is a doctor.
Why: In formal writing, 'who' is preferred for people.
The car who broke down is red.
Correct: The car that broke down is red.
Why: 'Who' cannot be used for inanimate objects like cars.
My mother, that is an artist, painted this.
Correct: My mother, who is an artist, painted this.
Why: 'That' cannot be used in non-restrictive clauses (after a comma).
The dog who bit me was big.
Correct: The dog that bit me was big.
Why: For general animals without names, 'that' is preferred.
The book who I read was long.
Correct: The book that I read was long.
Why: Books are objects and require 'that'.
The team who wins gets a trophy.
Correct: The team that wins gets a trophy.
Why: For collective nouns acting as a unit, 'that' is generally preferred.
He is the doctor that treated me.
Correct: He is the doctor who treated me.
Why: Using 'who' for specific individual professionals is the formal standard.
The computer who I use is new.
Correct: The computer that I use is new.
Why: Computers are things and require 'that'.
My friend, that lives in Spain, is visiting.
Correct: My friend, who lives in Spain, is visiting.
Why: Non-restrictive clauses about people require 'who'.
The tree who fell in the storm was old.
Correct: The tree that fell in the storm was old.
Why: Trees are objects and require 'that'.
Learning Tips
Memory Trick: Who = Human
Both 'Who' and 'Human' start with the letter 'H'. Use 'who' when referring to people.
Memory Trick: That = Thing
Both 'That' and 'Thing' start with 'T'. Use 'that' when referring to objects or concepts.
The Comma Rule
If there is a comma before the relative pronoun, you must use 'who' (for people) or 'which' (for things). Never use 'that' after a comma.
The Substitute Test
If you can substitute 'he' or 'she', use 'who'. If you can substitute 'it', use 'that'.
Group Check
If the noun is a collective group like 'team' or 'committee', use 'that'. If it refers to the individuals within the group, use 'who'.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the main difference between who and that?
'Who' is a relative pronoun used for people. 'That' is a relative pronoun used for things, animals, and groups.
Can I use 'that' for people?
In informal speech, yes (e.g., 'the man that I saw'). However, in formal writing, 'who' is strongly preferred for people.
Why are who and that commonly confused?
They are both relative pronouns that introduce dependent clauses. People often default to 'that' because it is versatile, applying it to people incorrectly in writing.
Can 'that' be used after a comma?
No. 'That' is only used in restrictive (essential) clauses without commas. Non-restrictive clauses require 'who' or 'which'.
Should I use 'who' or 'that' for animals?
Use 'that' for general animals (the dog that barked). Use 'who' for named pets that are personalized (my cat Whiskers, who is sleeping).
Should I use 'who' or 'that' for a team?
Generally, use 'that' for a team acting as a single unit (the team that won). Use 'who' if you are emphasizing the individual players (the players who protested).
What is a good trick to remember which word to use?
Remember 'Who = Human' (both start with H) and 'That = Thing' (both start with T).
Is it 'the woman who' or 'the woman that'?
Both are grammatically permissible, but 'the woman who' is the formal and preferred standard in writing.
Can 'who' and 'that' be omitted?
Yes, in restrictive clauses where the pronoun is the object, it can be dropped. (e.g., 'The book [that] I read' or 'The man [who] I saw').
Do 'who' and 'that' share the same etymology?
No. 'Who' comes from the Old English 'hwā'. 'That' comes from the Old English 'þæt'.
Find words exactly how you need them
Explore our extensive dictionary using different filters and categories.