What words answer the question who? - briefly
Pronouns such as "he," "she," "they," "we," and "I" answer the question. Additionally, proper nouns like "John," "Mary," and "The Smiths" also provide an answer.
What words answer the question who? - in detail
The question of identifying words that respond to "who" is fundamental in understanding the structure and function of language, particularly in English. These words are typically pronouns and proper nouns, which serve to specify or refer to individuals or entities performing actions or being described.
Pronouns are a crucial category of words that answer "who." They are used to substitute nouns, making language more efficient and less repetitive. The primary pronouns that respond to "who" include:
- "I" - used by the speaker to refer to themselves.
- "you" - used to address the person or people being spoken to.
- "he" - used to refer to a male individual.
- "she" - used to refer to a female individual.
- "it" - used to refer to a non-human entity or an unspecified person.
- "we" - used to refer to a group that includes the speaker.
- "they" - used to refer to a group of people or entities.
- "who" - used to ask about a person or people.
Proper nouns are specific names given to individuals, and they also respond to "who." Examples include:
- Personal names such as "John," "Mary," "Alice," and "Robert."
- Titles and roles such as "President," "Doctor," "Professor," and "Manager."
Understanding which words respond to "who" is essential for constructing clear and grammatically correct sentences. Pronouns and proper nouns provide the necessary specificity to identify the subjects or objects in a sentence, ensuring that communication is precise and effective. This knowledge is particularly important in fields such as linguistics, education, and translation, where a deep understanding of language structure and function is required.