Using 'That' to Referring to People in English

In English, the use of relative pronouns is a crucial aspect of grammatical structure, particularly when referring to people. Traditional teachings often emphasize the use of 'who,' 'whom,' and 'whose' over 'that' in specific contexts. However, the evolving nature of language allows for some flexibility in usage.

The Use of 'That' for People

The word 'that' is commonly perceived as referring only to inanimate objects. This notion is partially true but not entirely accurate. In certain contexts, 'that' can be used to refer to people as well, though it often carries a more formal or literary tone. For example:

John is the man that lives across the street from me.

In this sentence, 'that' is employed to refer to a specific person, but it's generally considered less preferred by most educated speakers.

Subject and Object Cases

When 'that' is used in the object case, it becomes more acceptable. Consider:

John is the man that I was telling you about.

Here, 'that' is serving as an object but still sounds less formal than using 'who.' If you want to use 'whom' for stricter formality, it would look like:

John is the man whom I was telling you about.

Nevertheless, 'whom' is becoming less commonly used in everyday speech and writing.

Politeness and Respect in Language

Another factor to consider is the perception of politeness and respect in language. Referring to people as objects using 'that' can sometimes be seen as less respectful. This is why many prefer 'who' for people:

That person is standing over there.

While this phrase is grammatically correct, it can sound impersonal. A more personal and polite alternative would be:

That man or woman is standing over there.

or

That person is standing over there; do you need help finding them?

Changes in Linguistic Use

Language is dynamic, and the way we use words is constantly evolving. The use of 'that' for people is gradually becoming more accepted, albeit still less common. Linguists use native speaker judgment as a standard for grammaticality, not just grammatical rules. Many native English speakers find using 'that' for people to be acceptable in casual conversation and writing.

Conclusion

The use of 'that' to refer to people in English is a nuanced topic. While it is traditionally considered less formal, its use is becoming more common and accepted in modern English. Whether to use 'that' or 'who' depends largely on the context, formality, and the speaker's preference.

Keywords: relative pronoun, that, who, whom, English grammar