" Who" and "That"

In English, the words "who" and "that" are often used as relative pronouns. They are essential in constructing complex sentences by connecting clauses. Understanding the correct usage of "who" and "that" enhances clarity and precision in both spoken and written communication.

Who as a Relative Pronoun

Part of Speech: Pronoun

The word "who" is a relative pronoun used to refer to people. It introduces a relative clause, which provides additional information about a person mentioned in the main clause.

Usage of "Who":

1. Subject of the Clause:
• When "who" acts as the subject of a relative clause, it refers to the person performing the action.
• Example: Chidi, who loves to play football, scored the winning goal.
• In this sentence, "who loves to play football" is a relative clause providing more information about Chidi.
2. Object of the Clause:
• "Who" can also function as the object of the verb within the relative clause.
• Example: The teacher praised Ada, who she taught last year.
• Here, "who she taught last year" gives additional information about Ada.

Examples:

• Funmi, who is an excellent student, received a scholarship.
• The woman who lives next door is very kind.
• They are looking for the person who reported the incident.

That as a Relative Pronoun

Part of Speech: Pronoun

The word "that" is a relative pronoun used to refer to both people and things. It can introduce a restrictive relative clause, which is essential to the meaning of the sentence.

Usage of "That":

1. Referring to People:
• Although "who" is more commonly used for people, "that" can also be used, particularly in informal contexts.
• Example: The student that won the prize is my friend.
• In this sentence, "that won the prize" is a restrictive relative clause essential to identifying the student.
2. Referring to Things:
• "That" is often used to refer to objects, animals, and abstract concepts.
• Example: The book that I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
• Here, "that I borrowed from the library" specifies which book is being discussed.

Examples:

• The car that broke down belongs to Mr. Okoro.
• She admires the musician that performed last night.
• The movie that we watched yesterday was thrilling.

Differences Between "Who" and "That"

1. Context of Use:
• Use "who" when referring to people to maintain a formal and clear tone.
• Use "that" when referring to objects, animals, and abstract concepts. For people, "that" can be used in less formal contexts.
2. Clarity and Formality:
• "Who" is preferred in formal writing when referring to people as it clearly indicates the subject is a person.
• Example: The man who greeted us is the principal.
• "That" is versatile and can be used for both people and things, but it's more common for objects.
• Example: The necklace that she wore was beautiful.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Identifying Relative Pronouns

• Identify whether "who" or "that" is used correctly in the following sentences.
1. The girl who won the race is my sister.
2. The laptop that I bought last week is already malfunctioning.
3. The artist who painted this picture is famous.
4. The food that we ate at the party was delicious.

Exercise 2: Choosing the Correct Relative Pronoun

• Fill in the blanks with either "who" or "that".
1. The teacher _____ assigned the homework will check it tomorrow.
2. The movie _____ we watched last night was very interesting.
3. The dog _____ barked all night belongs to our neighbour.
4. The student _____ answered all the questions correctly won a prize.

Understanding the correct use of "who" and "that" is crucial for constructing clear and precise sentences. "Who" is used to refer to people, while "that" can refer to both people and things. Using these relative pronouns correctly ensures that additional information about subjects and objects is conveyed accurately, enhancing overall communication skills. By practising their usage, students can improve their writing and speaking abilities, making their language more effective and engaging.