who
relative pronoun
refers to people
“The nurse who helped me was kind.”
Grammar choices
who vs that
Use who for people and that for things. That for people is grammatical but who reads as more natural and respectful.
that
relative pronoun
refers to things (and sometimes people)
“The car that broke down is mine.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
The student ______ won the prize is here.
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Questions about who vs that
What is the difference between who and that?
Use who for people and that for things. That for people is grammatical but who reads as more natural and respectful.
How do I remember who vs that?
People are "who", not "what", so give them who.
Are there exceptions?
For groups, both appear: "the team that won" is standard. Animals with names often get who: "our dog, who hates baths".
Still unsure?
Paste your own sentence and the tutor will explain which word it needs, and why.