[Grammar] He who hesitates is lost

[sky3120]

Hello, I have solved so many problems here with great people in the world, and sometimes I was wondering why they spend their time and efforts on those who they have never met before, so I have learned not only English but also how to live worthily from now on. Thank you.


And today's question is about pronouns modified by relative clauses. When I was in school, I learned there are no such
things like they who~, he who~, I who, of course, except for it-that clause. But I have seen lots of sentences written like this, He who hesitates is lost, Do They who came here yesterday are your friends?, and so on.

Is it just acceptable or wrong? Thank you all the time in advance.

 

[SoothingDave]

"He who hesitates is lost" is a proverb.

"Do They who came here yesterday are your friends?" is confused.

​

 

[Raymott]

Hello, I have solved so many problems here with great people in the world, and sometimes I was wondering why they spend their time and efforts on those who they have never met before,
Sometimes we get bored

so I have learned not only English but also how to live worthily from now on. Thank you.


And today's question is about pronouns modified by relative clauses. When I was in school, I learned there are no such
things like they who~, he who~, I who, of course, except for it-that clause. But I have seen lots of sentences written like this, He who hesitates is lost, Do They who came here yesterday are your friends?, and so on.

Is it just acceptable or wrong? Thank you all the time in advance.

We don't use those constructions often. They're usually found in sayings, like "He who hesitates is lost." I think you mean "Are they who came here yesterday your friends?" We'd normally say, "Are the people who came here yesterday your friends."
So what you were taught is not really wrong. It's best to avoid "He who ..." etc. until you're more familiar with the right places to use it (if at all).