Who/That Rant...

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

Is it just me, or do a lot of people on here use THAT when they should be using WHO? I come across this improper usage at least once a day here. I feel like we need to go over this just so everybody is clear. I know it's just an online forum, but as it's a writing forum we should at least try. I'm just saying. Am I alone in noticing THATs where WHOs should be?

end rant.

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

You're not the only one WHO noticed.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

Stew21 said:
You're not the only one WHO noticed.

I'm easily annoyed...and this annoys me. Thank you for using a perfect example!

CaroGirl · Dec 5, 2007

No doubt people do this often. It's one of those rules that people seem to take as flexible. I'm a naturally nitpicky person but, for some reason, this one doesn't really bother me. Can't say precisely why, considering so many other broken rules drive me directly to distraction.

cray · Dec 5, 2007

Stew21 said:
You're not the only one WHO noticed.

....but you're who the only one that is concerned.

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

It is a rant THAT is worthy. You are someone WHO is easily annoyed.

Trish, WHO could do this all day.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

Stew21 said:
It is a rant THAT is worthy. You are someone WHO is easily annoyed.

Trish, WHO could do this all day.

If it helps to get the word out, then do so. Please.

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

Kevin is the type of person who sends words to people's ears and they shout them back so he can hear the echo of their gratitude. the words that touched them stayed in the atmosphere for the duration of the night.
A person who can do that is gifted.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

Oh stop. I'm blushing already!

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

I was just giving another example that would be useful here.

trish, who likes to make Kevin blush.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

I like people that do that.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

See. I feel sick now. I want to go back and edit that last post. I. Can't. Not. Hit. Edit. Argh........

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

KTC said:
I like people that do that.

great example (of what NOT to do!)

I know it was painful for you, but it was for the purpose of educating others, a very selfless thing to do, Kevin!

III · Dec 5, 2007

That does who? I mean whom does that? You know what I meaned.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

III said:
That does who? I mean whom does that? You know what I meaned.

You're fired.

dpaterso · Dec 5, 2007

This incorrect usage must be RUTHLESSLY STAMPED OUT and we should all thank you-know-who for drawing it to our attention. Thank you, Kevin.

-Derek

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

You're very welcome.

(hopefully people are reading this and realizing the truth behind the humour.)

Kevin, who thinks everybody should grow by example.

popmuze · Dec 5, 2007

I recently read a book where the author used "that" instead of "who" at almost every opportunity--and this was a published book. Then I noticed that it was published originally in England. So I'm wondering, do the English have a different rule?

popmuze · Dec 5, 2007

Also, apropos of the above, I was recently revising my manuscript with the intention of removing every extraneous use of "that." It was amazing how many of them came out without a problem and, once out, made the whole sentence move so much better.

dpaterso · Dec 5, 2007

popmuze said:
I recently read a book where the author used "that" instead of "who" at almost every opportunity--and this was a published book. Then I noticed that it was published originally in England. So I'm wondering, do the English have a different rule?

Speaking as a non-English Brit, I'd have to say no, it's not a transAtlantic quirk. It bugs me whenever I trip over it.

-Derek

melaniehoo · Dec 5, 2007

That do you think you are?

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

popmuze said:
I recently read a book where the author used "that" instead of "who" at almost every opportunity--and this was a published book. Then I noticed that it was published originally in England. So I'm wondering, do the English have a different rule?

Us Canadians use the same rules as Britian...usually. I can attest to the fact that there is no rule governing this faux pas.

KTC · Dec 5, 2007

melaniehoo said:
That do you think you are?

EXACTLY! You wouldn't use That in that sentence...why use it in others. JUST AS BAD!

Stew21 · Dec 5, 2007

Voldemort - He that should not be named.

heh.

Dawnstorm · Dec 5, 2007

My Oxford Dictionary of English (which is not the OED but based on the same corpus and bearing the same coat of arms) disagrees with you lot (quoted and disagreed with here). "That" can be used for people, and that is that.

(I still prefer who, most of the time.)

Who/That Rant...

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Living the dream

Superior Life form

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

rockin the suburbs

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Last of a Dying Breed

Last of a Dying Breed

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

And thus we begin the edits

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Stand in the Place Where You Live

punny user title, here