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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Animals: who or which?    

Animals: who or which?



ninon100
Russian Federation

Animals: who or which?
 
Dear colleagues,
I know we may use either "who" or "which" in relative clauses when we are talking about animals.
But what are the specific rules about the choice?
Please give examples. Thanks in advance and have a lovely day :)
 

12 Feb 2016      





Gi2gi
Georgia

Hi, ninon100, if an animal is anthropomorphized� (ascribed human attributes or qualities) �or, has a name, is your favourite pet, etc �you tend to use who. e.g. My dog Barker, who is very naughty, likes to lick my toes :))) Or The wolf who never told lies.... :) On the other hand, if an animal is seen as just a biological species, you tend to use which. Dogs which are small in size live longer.

12 Feb 2016     



almaz
United Kingdom

You can also use that whether it�s a pet or not, but usually only with integrated (�defining�) relative clauses.

12 Feb 2016     



ninon100
Russian Federation

Thanks, guys! It looks clear.

12 Feb 2016     



ueslteacher
Ukraine

"whose" ,however, fits all:)
He �s a man whose opinion I respect.It �s the house whose door is painted red. 

12 Feb 2016     



almaz
United Kingdom

Good point, Sophia. I just wasn�t thinking of possessive/genitive gaps.
 
  • Dogs whose tails have been docked since 2007 cannot be shown at Crufts. 
  • The cat, whose behaviour was giving cause for concern, was referred to a specialist.

12 Feb 2016