Rule 3: Usage of Relative Pronouns - who, whom, which and that

Usage of Relative Pronouns - who, whom, which  and  that

(1) “Who” and “whom” are mainly used for people. However, these pronouns can also be used to refer to animals that are mentioned by name and domesticated by people (i.e. Domestic Animals) .

Examples: The witnesses whom I interviewed gave conflicting evidence. [Used for people]

The people who just boarded the plane are in a rock band. [Used for people] 

The vacuum scared our dog Rocky, who was sleeping on the rug. [Used for a pet]

(2) “Which” is used for animals in general or things (i.e. Non- domestic Animals and Non-living things).

Examples: Vinita visited the park with a dog, which likes to chase squirrels. [Used for an animal]

The bomb, which killed 15 people, was the worst of a series of terrorist outrages. [Used for a non-living

thing]

(3) “That” can be used for people, animals or things (i.e. No restrictions) 

Examples: The car that Jasprit bought runs on electricity and gas. [Used for a thing] 

The musician that won the award is Indian. [Used for a person] 

The dog that is chasing the squirrels belongs to Brijesh. [Used for ananimal]

“NOTE : All, any, the only, the same, none, much, none, much, no, the little, the few, something, any-thing, nothing and superlative degrees are all followed by “that” only. They cannot be followed by “who” or “which”

Examples: This is the same book which you were reading. [Incorrect]

This is the same book that you were reading. [Correct] 

This is the same person that I want to marry. He spent up the little amount which he had. [Incorrect]

He spent up the little amount that he had. [Correct] This is the best that I can do for you. 

NOTE: “Whoever” vs. “Whomever”: 

(1) Whoever is a subjective pronoun. It serves as a subject of a verb.

Examples: Whoever is hungry can have the leftover pizza. (Whoever is the subject of the verb is, like “He is hungry.”) 

Give the package to whoever comes for it. (Whoever is the subject of the verb comes, like “He comes for it.”)

I am happy with whoever wins. (Whoever is the subject of the verb wins, like “He wins.”) Whoever is also correct as a subject complement, with linking verbs such as is, are, and will be.

Examples: Whoever it was did not leave her name. Whoever they are, I like their confidence. 

(2) Whomever is an objective pronoun. It serves as an object of a verb or a preposition. 

Examples:Please invite whomever you choose. (Whomever is the object of the verb choose, like “You choose him.”) Whomever Kate marries is none of our business. (Whomever is the object of the verb marries, like “Kate marries him.”)

I am eager to work with whomever Dale selects as my partner. (Whomever is the object of the verb selects, like “Dales selects her.”)