Who or what?

[skatebambi]

Hi,

when referring to an organisation (e.g. the charity named "Plan"), which is correct?

1. Who is Plan?
2. What is Plan?
3. Who are Plan?

My colleague says 1. I'm happier with 2.

[DavyBCN]

Originally Posted by skatebambi

Hi,
when referring to an organisation (e.g. the charity named "Plan"), which is correct?
1. Who is Plan?
2. What is Plan?
3. Who are Plan?
My colleague says 1. I'm happier with 2.

You are correct. Who normally only refers to people, but 3 is possible in some circumstances.

What is Plan? It is a charity.
Who are Plan? They are a group of people who run a charity.

This situation can happen with other organisations which are comprised of people - 100% of them I guess. e.g. The Government, a sports team.

[Fazzu]

Originally Posted by skatebambi

1. Who is Plan?

It tells that Plan is a person where you ask:'Who is Plan?'

The other two Davy has explained well.

[skatebambi]

Thanks chaps,

can you direct me to a reference work where I can see this (not that I don't believe you!) but my colleague (boss!) will need Proof! She didn't believe my initial assertion that it wasn't correct...

Thanks.

[DavyBCN]

Originally Posted by skatebambi

Thanks chaps,
can you direct me to a reference work where I can see this (not that I don't believe you!) but my colleague (boss!) will need Proof! She didn't believe my initial assertion that it wasn't correct...
Thanks.

You need to do a search on question words and English grammar.

[skatebambi]

I'm beginning to suspect that I am actually a complete dimwit. I've been spending more time today looking for this than I have actually working.
I just don't want to get a 100 copies of a document printed with a grammatical error as the headline!
But as I'm only a volunteer here, I need to convince the boss it's incorrect and needs to be changed.

Davy help me!

[DavyBCN]

Originally Posted by skatebambi

I'm beginning to suspect that I am actually a complete dimwit. I've been spending more time today looking for this than I have actually working.
I just don't want to get a 100 copies of a document printed with a grammatical error as the headline!
But as I'm only a volunteer here, I need to convince the boss it's incorrect and needs to be changed.
Davy help me!

Try this link.

http://esl.about.com/od/grammar/a/a_questionword.htm