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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > That or who in literature/novels
That or who in literature/novels
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sea camel
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That or who in literature/novels
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Hi guys
Today I was teaching about defining and non-defining relative clauses. We were talking about the use of relative pronouns when one of the pupils said/asked this: The pronoun �that � can be used instead of �who �/ �which �. Isn �t it true that �that � is used more often in literature than �who �/ �which �?
Well, I couldn �t answer him. He also told me he had been reading some novels and he seemed to notice this. He really is a very intelligent boy, one of the smartest pupils I have this year ( and had in the past years).
Personally I �d say that there isn �t any difference and that the use of this word is a personal choice made by the writer him/herself. I told him I �d look this up but I haven �t found an answer so far.
So, I thought about turning to you. What would you tell him?
Greetings
Kristien
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12 May 2009
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libertybelle
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It all depends on the situation.
Who is usually used about people and that and which about things.
But sometimes you can use that instead of who.
You wouldn �t write:
He is the boy which comes late everyday.
you �d write:
He is the boy who comes late everyday.
I wouldn �t even write that instead - I �d use who.
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12 May 2009
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sea camel
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Hi libertybell
Nice to see and hear you again!
Well, in class we live by the rule. As I understand it, the use of �that � instead of �who � is not a common thing (It �s different when we talk about �which �. There �that � can be replaced by �which � more easily.) I wouldn �t promote the use of �that � instead of �who � either but in my Student �s Book they give these two options. I �ll tell them to be careful about this.
So the pupil I have is mistaken about the impression he has got i.e. in literature they use �that � more often.
Thanks for your helping hand!
Kristien
I don�t know how I did this. Answering LB before she even answered me  . |
12 May 2009
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Zora
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I don �t know but to me using "that" is more natural... and who/which more formal. Although, I know what the set rules are and I know we should do this and that...
Maybe it �s a cultural thing or maybe Lisa has been teaching grammar too long!! 
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12 May 2009
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serene
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I think in defining relative clauses that is more usual than which. It �s also possible to use that instead of who. e.g. The man that greeted us works in my father �s office. |
12 May 2009
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sea camel
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Sooo... I think I get the picture... Although, now I am a bit confused too as my student was talking about Michael Cunningham and he �s American, isn �t he? It �s doesn �t really fit into the (other) picture.
Well, anyway, I �ll leave you to discuss it, my sweet advisors  , but as I get it, it �s simply cultural difference and as I thought personal choice (and one could discuss what the choice really is but therefore it �s getting too late here).
Thanks for helping me!
Kristien |
12 May 2009
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libertybelle
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Who? what? Me? Teach Grammar?
I interchange who and that a lot- maybe I �ve been away from the States for too long!
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12 May 2009
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MichaelaD
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Hello,
She �s the girl that stole my ring! (informal)
She �s the girl who stole my ring! (more formal and correct in literature)
Best,
Michaela
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13 May 2009
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