Words That Work ... or Don't

Sen. McCain, President Obama Share Grammar Faux Pas

“I'm sorry there’s at least one of my colleagues that can’t take a joke.”
— Sen. John McCain dissing Sen. Chuck Schumer

"You have a president that's got your back."
— President Barack Obama to Native American tribal leaders

Sen. McCain and President Barack Obama have joined those who erroneously use “that” to refer to a person or people.

That is used for inanimate objects or for animals without a name:
• The wind shattered the mailbox that resembled a birdhouse.
• The bicycle that she rode home from the park had bad brakes.
• The dog that crossed the street was mangy and thin.

Who is used when referring to human beings or to animals with a name:
• Sen. Chuck Schumer was the person who couldn’t take a joke.
• President Barack Obama assured Native American leaders, “You have a president who’s got your back.”
• Rover, the dog who crossed the street, was mangy and thin.
• The woman who wants to be a dancer practices every day.
* The guy who married a Kardashian is regretting the nuptials.

Just because a senator or a president uses grammar inappropriately doesn’t make it right. I encourage you to mind your grammar p’s and q’s — and your that’s and who’s.

Ruthless Editor follows The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law guidelines for word and punctuation usage. Webster's New World College Dictionary serves as a secondary reference.

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