Understanding Relative Pronouns: Who vs. That

This video tutorial explains the use of 'who' and 'that' as relative pronouns. It provides examples of sentences using both pronouns and discusses the subtle differences in their usage. A simple rule is given: use 'who' for people and 'that' for things, although 'that' can sometimes refer to people. The video emphasizes the importance of using 'who' in professional writing to avoid impersonal tone. It concludes with a reminder to use 'who' for people and 'that' for things.

What are 'who' and 'that' examples of?

• Interjections

• Relative pronouns

• Conjunctions

• Adjectives

Which sentence is an example of using 'who' correctly?

• The man who is in blue is waving.

• The dog who barks is friendly.

• The car who is red is fast.

• The book who is on the table is mine.

What is the main difference between 'who' and 'that'?

• 'Who' is used for places, 'that' is used for events.

• 'Who' is used for animals, 'that' is used for plants.

• 'Who' is used for people, 'that' is used for things.

• 'Who' is used for things, 'that' is used for people.

Why might using 'that' for a person be considered impersonal?

• It is grammatically incorrect.

• It is a new rule in grammar.

• It is only used in informal writing.

• It can create a sense of distance.

What should you ask yourself to decide between 'who' and 'that'?

• Is the subject singular or plural?

• Is the subject a person or a thing?

• Is the subject a place or an event?

• Is the subject past or future?

In which type of writing is it especially important to use 'who' correctly?

• Social media posts

• Text messages

• Professional writing

• Casual emails

What is the consequence of using 'that' instead of 'who'?

• It is always incorrect.

• It is only used in poetry.

• It might be seen as impersonal.

• It changes the sentence meaning.

What is the best practice for using 'who' and 'that' in academic writing?

• Use them interchangeably.

• Use 'who' for things and 'that' for people.

• Use 'who' for people and 'that' for things.

• Use 'that' for all subjects.