Who in a sentence Example

Understanding the proper use of the word “who” in English grammar is essential for both writing and speaking with clarity and precision. As a relative pronoun, “who” serves to introduce clauses that provide additional information about a noun. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricacies of using “who” in a sentence, providing clear examples and detailed explanations to help you master this crucial aspect of English grammar.

Understanding the Function of “Who”

The Role of “Who” in Relative Clauses

In English grammar, “who” is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a relative clause. A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. When “who” is used in a sentence, it provides more information about a person mentioned in the main clause. For instance:

• “The teacher who inspired me the most was Mr. Johnson.”
• “She is the scientist who discovered the new element.”

In these examples, “who” introduces additional information about the nouns “teacher” and “scientist,” respectively.

Using “Who” as a Subject Pronoun

One of the primary functions of “who” is to act as a subject pronoun in relative clauses. When “who” is used as a subject, it refers to people and is followed by a verb. Consider the following sentences:

• “The artist who painted this masterpiece is world-renowned.”
• “The children who participated in the event were very enthusiastic.”

Here, “who” serves as the subject of the verbs “painted” and “participated,” respectively.

Using “Who” as an Object Pronoun

Although less common, “who” can also function as an object pronoun in relative clauses. When used this way, “who” refers to the object of the verb within the clause. Examples include:

• “The friend who I invited to the party didn’t show up.”
• “The mentor who she admired most was Dr. Smith.”

In these cases, “who” is the object of the verbs “invited” and “admired.”

Examples of “Who” in Different Contexts

Formal and Informal Writing

The use of “who” is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. However, in formal writing, it is crucial to use “who” correctly to maintain clarity and professionalism. Here are examples in different contexts:

Formal Writing:

• “The committee member who proposed the new policy has years of experience.”
• “The employee who excelled in the project will receive a bonus.”

Informal Writing:

• “That’s the guy who helped me fix my car.”
• “I know someone who can solve this problem.”

Complex Sentences

In more complex sentences, “who” can help link multiple ideas together, making the sentence more informative and cohesive:

• “The professor, who had published numerous papers on the subject, was invited to speak at the conference.”
• “The students who attended the workshop, who were eager to learn, gained valuable skills.”

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Confusing “Who” with “Whom”

One of the most common mistakes in English grammar is confusing “who” with “whom.” The key difference is that “who” is used as a subject pronoun, while “whom” is used as an object pronoun. To determine whether to use “who” or “whom,” replace the pronoun with “he” or “him”:

• If “he” fits, use “who”: “He (who) is coming to the party.”
• If “him” fits, use “whom”: “I invited him (whom) to the party.”

Omitting Necessary Commas

When “who” introduces a non-restrictive relative clause (one that adds extra information and is not essential to the meaning of the sentence), it should be preceded by a comma:

• Correct: “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us.”
• Incorrect: “My brother who lives in New York is visiting us.”

In the incorrect example, the lack of a comma suggests that the speaker has more than one brother, and the one living in New York is specified.

Additional Tips for Mastery

Practice with Examples

To become proficient in using “who” in sentences, it is beneficial to practice with various examples. Write sentences using “who” in different contexts and check your work for accuracy.

Reading Widely

Reading a variety of texts, including books, articles, and essays, can help you see how skilled writers use “who” in their sentences. Pay attention to the structure and punctuation used in these examples.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “who” in English grammar is an essential skill for clear and effective communication. By understanding its function as a relative pronoun and practicing with examples, you can improve your writing and speaking abilities. Remember to differentiate between “who” and “whom,” use commas correctly, and read widely to enhance your understanding. With these strategies, you will be well on your way to using “who” accurately and confidently in your sentences.