Quick Answer
The difference lies in whether you are describing a person or an object.
Use That (The car that drove by)
Who (if named/pet) or That (if generic)
Table of Contents
Choosing between who and that often confuses even native English speakers, but the logic behind it is straightforward. In English grammar, these words function as relative pronouns, connecting a noun to a describing clause. The choice almost always depends on the nature of the noun you are referring to.
If you are writing formal text, an academic paper, or a professional email, using the correct pronoun is essential for clarity and credibility. While casual conversation allows for some flexibility, standard grammar rules provide a clear line between people and things.
The Golden Rule: Person vs. Thing
To solve 90% of these dilemmas instantly, apply this simple standard rule:
- Use who when referring to human beings.
- Use that when referring to inanimate objects or concepts.
This distinction honors the subject. Using “that” to refer to a person can sometimes feel dehumanizing or objectifying in formal writing. Source-1✅
Quick Tip: If you can replace the word with “he” or “she” in a rearranged sentence, stick with who.
When to Use Who
You should use who whenever the subject of your clause is a person or a specific group of people acting as individuals.
Correct Examples:
- “The teacher who helped me was very kind.” Correct
- “I am looking for the manager who handles refunds.” Correct
- “Students who study hard usually pass.” Correct
In these sentences, substituting “that” (e.g., “The teacher that helped me”) is common in casual speech but is technically considered incorrect or less elegant in standard written English.
When to Use That
Use that for everything that is not a person. This includes physical objects, abstract ideas, machines, and general entities.
Correct Examples:
- “The phone that is ringing belongs to me.” Correct
- “We need a solution that works for everyone.” Correct
- “The car that I bought is red.” Correct
If you used “who” here (e.g., “The car who I bought”), it would be immediately recognized as a grammar error because a car has no personhood.
Special Cases: Animals and Groups
English is a flexible language, and there are two major gray areas where the choice between who and that becomes specific.
1. Animals
The rule for animals depends on your relationship with them or whether they have a name.
- Generic Animals: Use that.
“The bear that scared the hikers ran away.” - Named Pets: Use who.
“My dog Rover, who loves treats, is sleeping.” Source-2✅
2. Collective Groups (Teams, Companies)
When talking about a company, a school, or a team, you are technically referring to a singular entity, not the individuals inside it. Therefore, you generally use that (or which).
Example: “The team that won the championship celebrated all night.”
Comparison Table
| Subject | Correct Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Person | Who | The man who called is here. |
| Object / Thing | That | The box that fell was heavy. |
| Named Animal | Who | My cat, who is old, sleeps a lot. |
| Wild Animal | That | The bird that flew by was blue. |
| Company / Group | That / Which | The company that hired me is great. |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Common Doubts
Can I ever use “that” for a person?
In informal, spoken English, it is very common to hear sentences like “The girl that I met.” However, in formal writing, exams, and professional contexts, this is considered incorrect. You should always use who for people to be safe and grammatically precise.
Is “who” ever used for objects?
No. Using who for an inanimate object (like a table, a car, or an idea) is a strict grammatical error. “Who” implies personality and agency, which objects do not possess.
What about “which” vs. “that”?
Do I use “who” or “that” for a baby?
Since a baby is a human being, you should use who. Example: “The baby who is crying needs milk.” Using “that” for a baby can sound impersonal.