Who: English Pronunciation Guide and Usage118

What is the Pronunciation of "Who"?

The pronunciation of "who" varies depending on its function in a sentence.
As a subject or object pronoun: Pronounced as /huː/ with a long "oo" sound, similar to the word "shoe".
As an interrogative pronoun: Pronounced as /huː/ or /hʊ/ with a short "oo" sound, similar to the word "put".

When to Use "Who"

"Who" is used as:
Subject pronoun: To refer to a person who is performing an action.
Object pronoun: To refer to a person who is receiving an action.
Interrogative pronoun: To ask questions about a person.

Examples of "Who" Usage

Subject Pronoun:
Who is going to the party?
Object Pronoun:
I know who you are talking about.
Interrogative Pronoun:
Who did this painting?Who wants to come with me?

Who vs. Whom

The distinction between "who" and "whom" is often confusing. In general, use:
Who as the subject or object of a verb.
Whom as the object of a preposition.

Examples

Who is the best player on the team?The player who scored the most goals is the best.To whom should I address the letter?

Who's vs. Whose

Who's is a contraction of "who is" or "who has". Whose is a possessive pronoun that means "belonging to whom".

Examples

Who's coming to the party?Whose car is this?

Exercises

Complete the sentences with the correct form of "who":_____ is going to the store?I'm not sure ______ did it.To ______ should I give this present?

Rewrite the sentences using the correct form of "who" or "whom":The man ___ I spoke to was very helpful.___ is the best candidate for the job?I wonder ___ will win the game.

Answer the questions using "who":_____ painted the Mona Lisa?_____ discovered penicillin?_____ is the current president of the United States?

Conclusion

"Who" is a versatile word that can be used in various grammatical functions. Understanding its pronunciation and correct usage is essential for effective English communication. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can effectively employ "who" in your speech and writing.

2025-01-14

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