Author
Home > Language > What is the Difference Between Which and Who in English Grammar?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Which and Who in English Grammar?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between "which" and "who" in English grammar lies in the subjects they refer to. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Who: This word should always be used to refer to people. It is an interrogative pronoun and can also be used as a relative pronoun to connect two clauses related to people.
  • Which: This word should be used to refer to things, animals (except pets), or inanimate objects. It is also an interrogative pronoun and can be used as a relative pronoun to connect two clauses related to non-human subjects.

Some examples of using "who" correctly include:

  • Which person made the reservation?
  • The doctor who treated me was very professional.

Examples of using "which" correctly include:

  • Which is the fastest animal?
  • The house, which has a beautiful garden, belongs to my uncle.

In summary, "who" is used for people, while "which" is used for things, animals, and inanimate objects. Both words can function as interrogative pronouns to ask questions and as relative pronouns to connect two clauses.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Which and Who in English Grammar?
  • Comparative Table: Which vs Who in English Grammar

    • Comparative Table: Which vs Who in English Grammar

    The difference between "which" and "who" in English grammar lies in the referents they represent and their usage in sentences. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

    Feature Which Who
    Referents Things, animals, and people People
    Usage Interrogative pronoun and relative pronoun Interrogative pronoun, relative pronoun, and determiners
    Direct Questions Used to ask about things, animals, and people Used to ask about people
    Indirect Questions Used to ask about things, animals, and people with a limited choice between options Cannot be used for indirect questions
    Restrictive Clauses Can be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses Can be used in both restrictive and non-restrictive clauses
    Determiners Can be used as a determiner with a noun following it Cannot be used as a determiner, and no noun follows it

    For example:

    • Direct question using "which": Which car is yours?
    • Indirect question using "which": Could you choose which car looks best to you?
    • Direct question using "who": Who is your favorite actor?
    • Indirect question using "who": I wonder who will win the championship.

    Remember that "which" can be used for things, animals, and people, while "who" is used exclusively for people.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.