Relative Pronouns: 'Who Vs Which'

The fourth question has arrived:

Your "ing vs infinitive" question answer says: eating monkeys = monkeys who eat.  I've been taught that "who" only refers to person/people and now you are writing about animals, so you should use "which". According to that. Whats the most suitable way in using relatives?

That's a very good point!

The quick answer to your question is yes, you're correct:  you should use 'who' for people and 'which' for objects & animals ('that' for everything*).

However you can use 'who' with animals in specific circumstances.  For example, as a term of affection: you might say to a pet dog 'Who's a good boy?' or 'My dog, who's always getting into trouble'.

In the case of my '-ing Vs infinitive' answer, I was trying to emphasis the fact that it is the monkeys who eat, not a person who is eating monkeys.  I felt using 'who' would help make the contrast clearer.


This is a good example of how English is a flexible language of presentation, not a language of categorical definitions & rules.  Native speakers will very often use English in unusual ways to create an effect.

BUT as a learner of English, it's very difficult to do this.  If you're not sure, you should always keep things simple.

SO to answer you question, it is probably best only to use 'who' for people.


*Relative pronouns are a little more complicated than just 'who' Vs 'which'.  If you have any further questions, feel free to ask me: answers@ondemandenglishsupport.com