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Who, that?
TPNiedermann
Posted: Thursday, January 2, 2014 6:55 PM
Joined: 2/21/2013
Posts: 40


Ok, I've had it. I've just read the phrase "a person that" once too often (sadly, this usage is ubiquitous).  Folks, a person is, well, a person--not an "it." With people you use "who," not "that." Similarly, if you refer to a fireman, a policeman, a politician, any function only a human being performs, you should use "who."  "A bank teller who is friendly," "a soldier who is scared," "a quarterback who is skilled," etc. Let's turn human beings from objects into people again. Please!
Aira Philipps
Posted: Saturday, January 4, 2014 2:51 PM
Joined: 8/18/2013
Posts: 31


Thank you for this post. I had no idea that is some places I was guilty of this! I pulled up the word "that" in my book and was shocked how many times I used the word when I didn't need to, and in more places then I care to admit was doing just what you pointed out.