Who Meaning
Who Definition & Usage
Used to ask for identification or information about a person or group of people.
Examples
- "Who is coming to dinner tonight?"
- "Who told you about the surprise?"
- "Do you know who left their bag on the table?"
- "Who would have thought that we'd meet here?"
- "Who are you, and what do you want?"
Used to introduce a relative clause that gives more information about a person or group previously mentioned.
Examples
- "The woman who called you is waiting outside."
- "I met someone who can help us with the project."
- "He is the person who helped me last week."
- "The students who passed the exam are celebrating."
- "She’s the one who always brings the best snacks."
Used for emphasis or to exclaim, often implying surprise, disbelief, or emphasis on the person.
Examples
- "Who would have thought we’d win the lottery?"
- "Who knew that he could sing so well?"
- "Who on earth told you that?"
- "Who’s going to clean up this mess?"
- "Who in their right mind would agree to that?"
Cultural Context
The word 'who' has been in use for centuries, originating from Old English 'hwa,' meaning 'who' or 'what person.' It is one of the most frequently used interrogative and relative pronouns in English.
The Mystery of Who Was There
Story
The Mystery of Who Was There
One evening, the town of Brookwood was bustling with excitement as a grand celebration took place in the town square. A long table, adorned with sparkling lights and delicious food, drew the townspeople together. But amid the festivities, there was a mystery: no one knew exactly who had orchestrated the event. As guests arrived, everyone asked the same question—'Who is behind this?' Yet, no one seemed to know. Marcy, the town librarian, wandered through the crowd, noticing that everyone she spoke to had a different theory. 'Who would have the time and resources to pull off such a grand party?' she wondered aloud. Her friend, Jake, overheard her. 'Who could it be, indeed?' he replied, clearly intrigued. As they continued to ask around, an unexpected guest arrived—a stranger who walked directly to the podium, where the mayor was preparing to give a speech. 'Who is that?' Jake asked, his curiosity piqued. Marcy looked closer and gasped. 'It's Mr. Hensley, the retired town architect!' she exclaimed. The mysterious Mr. Hensley had quietly returned to Brookwood and arranged the celebration as a gift to the town, making it a night to remember. By the end of the evening, everyone knew who had been behind the celebration, but the bigger question lingered: 'Who else would have done something so selflessly?' In the end, it was clear that sometimes, the most surprising answers come from the most unexpected places.
