Who / That

Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:

WHO / THAT

“Who that?” pretty well says it all here—incorrectly. While both words can be used as relative pronouns, the pronoun who refers to a person or persons; the pronoun that does not.

INCORRECT: The students that wanted a good grade in the class made sure to stay till the end of every lecture.

CORRECT: The students who wanted a good grade in the class made sure to stay till the end of every lecture.

INCORRECT: The man that would be king had better be a man that can rule his people with courage and wisdom.

CORRECT: The man who would be king had better be a man who can rule his people with courage and wisdom.

© 2022 Ann Henry. All Rights Reserved.

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