who — meaning in English: who

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'who' in everyday conversations to inquire about a person's identity. For instance, during a casual introduction at a party, someone might ask, 'Who is that?' to learn more about a new acquaintance.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to 'who' is 'whom', though 'whom' is used in more formal contexts as the object of a verb or preposition. Generally, 'who' is preferred in everyday language, making it more accessible for learners.

Culture

'Who' has its roots in Old English 'hwā', which is related to the German 'wer' and Latin 'quis'. This word has remained a staple in the English language, showcasing our continuous interest in identifying and understanding one another.

FAQ

Q.When do I use 'who' vs. 'whom'?

'Who' is used as a subject (e.g., 'Who is coming to the party?'), while 'whom' is used as an object (e.g., 'To whom should I address the letter?'). In casual conversation, 'who' is often used in place of 'whom'. It's best to use 'whom' when you want to sound more formal.

Q.Can 'who' be used in questions and statements?

Yes, 'who' can be used in both questions and statements. For example, in a question, you might ask, 'Who is your best friend?', while in a statement, you could say, 'I know who won the game.'

Q.Is 'who' considered a pronoun?

'Who' is indeed a pronoun, specifically an interrogative pronoun used to ask questions about people. It can also function as a relative pronoun, connecting clauses, as in 'The person who called you is my friend.'

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