A Figure "Who" or "That"

[Allthatjazznj]

Which is better, "He is prominent figure who..." or "He is a prominent figure that..."?

 

[Casiopea]

Which is better, "He is prominent figure who..." or "He is a prominent figure that..."?

Conversationally, both 'who' and 'that' are used. Traditionally, though, it's 'who' that's used.

Question: Who is a prominent figure?
Answer: He is. (Person)

1. He is a prominent figure who....

 

[Allthatjazznj]

Thanks, Casiopea! That was my hunch, but it's great to get word from the moderator. I am new to this forum (found via Google). Was a devotee of dictionary.com's forum but can no longer access it. I'm a wordsmith of sorts and used to read dictionaries as a hobby. I'm presently copyediting a book on art history and was stumped by the who/that usage in this case.

Which is better, "He is prominent figure who..." or "He is a prominent figure that..."?

Conversationally, both 'who' and 'that' are used. Traditionally, though, it's 'who' that's used.

Question: Who is a prominent figure?
Answer: He is. (Person)

1. He is a prominent figure who....

 

[MikeNewYork]

Which is better, "He is prominent figure who..." or "He is a prominent figure that..."?

Hi, Stephen.

I agree with Cas, that most people prefer "who" when referring to a person. When the person is not referred to by name or association (John, brother), "that" can often be substituted. This is particular true when discussing a profession or a skill (plumber, third baseman, etc.).

:wink:

 

[RonBee]

As Mike stated, I would use who when referring to a specific person, but I might use that when referring to a nonspecific person or one whose identity is not known.

 

[MikeNewYork]

As Mike stated, I would use who when referring to a specific person, but I might use that when referring to a nonspecific person or one whose identity is not known.

:wink: