Who, Which or That

Who, Which or That

Who refers to people. Sometimes that is also referred to people. Which can only be used for groups, animals or things.

E.g. Michael is on the team that won the first prize in the singing competition.

Or, The kitten, which was caught in the net, was rescued.

That introduces an essential clause while which introduces a non-essential clause that adds supplementary information.

E.g. I have a habit of suspecting a cream that claims it is natural.
Or, I am replying to an advertisement , which appeared last Sunday, for job opportunities.

Test your understanding - Choose the correct sentence from the pair of sentences given below

1
a. She works at the SPCA, an organisation who works for the welfare of animals.
b. She works at the SPCA, an organisation which works for the welfare of animals.

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2.
a. Naina was the one who nursed the injured pigeon back to health.
b. Naina was the one which nursed the injured pigeon back to health.

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3.
a. I got me a new haircut and am looking younger.
b. I got myself a new haircut and am looking younger.

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4.
a. The house that John built at the water’s edge is still standing after the tsunami.
b. The house which John built at the water’s edge is still standing after the tsunami.

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5.
a. All the electronics which are displayed outside are on sale at a 40% discount.
b. All the electronics that are displayed outside are on sale at a 40% discount.

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