Grammar is Not Dead:The Who-That-Which Edition
Simply put, I am a grammar geek. I am a writer who understands, and even–gasp–likes grammar, which makes me a fairly decent editor. Mistakes glare at me. It also makes me a bit of a snob.
Rather than be that girl who slags on every error I read, I decided to channel a bit of my grammar energy into weekly tips in a friendly little list–which I am typing through clenched teeth–for those who need a top up on simple, every day grammar usage. And I know there are many, many of you who could do with a refresher. 
I’ve been on a few websites where the blogger is giving grammar tips–wrong grammar tips. Gak. But I won’t do that to you.
Who-That-Which
Who-That: When misused, this really gets under my skin–I even commented on a blog titled Bloggers That Fake It. I was that girl. My fingers were possessed by the grammar spirits, I swear. I was so disappointed by this glaring error from reputable writers (whom I admire) that I lost all control and tsk-ed the authors. Gahh, I just couldn’t let it go.
“When did bloggers become objects? I blog; *pinches arm* I’m a human!; I’m a who!” “And you guys call yourselves writers??” Sigh. Oh the shame. Oh the horror.
So, here’s how it goes:
People=Who. Not bloggers that, people that, friends that. It’s who peeps! Bloggers who, people who, friends who. Yes I am sounding like an owl, and my head is even spinning around.
So what is that and which saved for?
That is the defining (restrictive) pronoun. What the heck does that mean? Here’s an example: The book that has the ripped spine is on the shelf.
In this sentence, that is used to describe which book the speaker is talking about.
Which is the non-restrictive pronoun: The book, which has a ripped spine, is on the shelf. In this sentence, which is used to add a side piece of information about the book; it is not essential to the sentence or the book’s description.
With all that said, both which and that are overused: omit needless that’s and go which hunting in your revision process (you do have a revision process, right? Of course you do; you wouldn’t just write a blog in 2.5 seconds and hit publish, would you.)
And always, always, always refer to people as who’s.
Next week, proper use of quotaions. See you there.
tammy
hey karen
some possible future posts could be the use of “a” and “an” as well as “their”, “there” and “they’re”. good work. cheers.
Karen
Hi Tammy,
I’ll be sure to add those to the list of posts to come, thanks!
Bonnie
Thanks Karen .. great tips! I checked my blog posts and I’m guilty on all counts .. People will be whos (as in Horton Hear a Who) from now on.
I’d be interested in your revision process. Mine is to read the blog post three times and double check the spelling.
I look forward to more posts on this topic .. and becoming a better writer.
Karen
I think all of us writers are guilty of these grammar muck-ups.
My revision process is much like yours: I preview my post before I publish and reread my article a few times, making changes as I see them. But I also take a break and do something else before I make my final edits–even if for just five minutes to break up the flow. Fresh eyes make for a better editor.
I have a few handy grammar books by my side at all times too (I wasn’t kidding when I said I am a grammar geek).
Best book for quick tips is Strunk/White/Kalman’s The Elements of Style.
Happy Writing
Danno
I’m finding that becoming a better writer is a slow process for me. Your wisdom helps speed things up though!
Karen
Thanks for stopping by, Danno. Be gentle with yourself and over time the writing will come naturally.
Morms
Am enjoying your wisdom on grammar…one of my long-standing pet peeves has been ‘irregardless’ isn’t ‘regardless’ enough?
Keep up the good work!
btw…i think ‘overtime’ as used in your reply to Danno, would look better written as two words xox
Karen
@Morms
Thanks for the minor correction
People that need people II: the subject-object distinction « Motivated Grammar
[...] post). So, prescriptivists, would you mind terribly dropping the claim that who is for people and that is not? Much [...]