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That vs. Who

1/16/2018

7 Comments

 
I'm not a grammar snob. In fact, you'll notice I tend to use a lot of ellipsis's when I don't really need them. I just like them...they work. And I'm okay with some folks not liking how I use them....  Notice the extra . since it's the end of a sentence. :-)  I also use emojis in blog posts, which is supposed to be a no-no. I use words like puter, cause, (without the ' showing I left off the be.) and sometimes, I forget or ignore the Oxford Comma, especially in blog posts.  I mean, blogs are less formal. I think blogs, for the most part, are a way for people to get to know each other. Sure, there are informative blogs out  there that need to be formal and proper, but this isn't one of them.

That said, using that when you should use who, bothers me.  And the book I'm editing now does that a lot.  I mean, almost all the time.

So, here's the rule. 

If you are speaking of a person or group of people - use who.
If you are speaking of a thing or animal - use that.

Simple. Easy. 

Unless...you are specifically treating a person with disdain, as a non-human, then you can use that.  For example, "Max is the jerk that married Jim's daughter."  Just be deliberate about it. 

What is your grammar peeve?   Share and be entered to win stuff. See contest post for more details.

​Here's a picture of Watson out in the snow. He really liked it and didn't want to come in.
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7 Comments
Christina Weigand link
1/16/2018 01:48:39 pm

Interesting I never really thought about who and that before. I can't say that I ever encountered a situation where I was to use one over the other, although I'm sure I have.

Reply
Jean
1/16/2018 03:11:03 pm

I think most of us know the difference naturally. It's just one of those things sometimes we don't pay attention to.

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Shanna Spence link
1/16/2018 05:53:03 pm

I love easy explanations on how to use certain words, thank you!

Reply
Jeanine Byers link
1/16/2018 06:27:27 pm

It annoys me when people say that something is "concerning," instead of saying that it "concerns" them. I think we should only use the word "concerning" if we are saying, "concerning the matter of...," etc. And when I was growing up, that's the only way I ever heard it said. So when I hear it now, it bugs me.

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Phyllis
1/16/2018 10:33:42 pm

I hate commas!

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Kehinde Opeotan King
1/17/2018 02:51:46 am

I also hate to have to go over my blog post several times just to make sure my grammer is correct and syntaxed. I believe is freedom of grammer where you just have to send a sincere message and not have to worry if a reader spotted a misspell or an incorrect grammer or considers your blog too personal.

Reply
KemKem link
1/17/2018 03:55:09 am

I must admit to being a bit of a grammar snub😀, especially in my head.

Reply



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    I'm a writer, editor, cat trainer, wife, mom, partner in crime, and crazy dog lady.  

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