What is Who (Question Word)?

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Grade Level:

Pre-School – Class 2

All domains without exception

Definition

What is it?

The word 'Who' is a question word used to ask about people. It helps us find out the name or identity of a person. We use 'Who' when we want to know 'which person' did something or 'which person' is involved.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine you see a new student in your class. To know their name, you would ask, 'Who is that new student?' Or if someone scored a century in a cricket match, you'd ask, 'Who scored the century?'

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say your friend tells you, 'Someone called you on the phone.'

1. You want to know which person called.
---2. The information you are missing is the identity of the caller.
---3. To ask about a person, you use the question word 'Who'.
---4. So, you would ask, 'Who called me?'
---5. Your friend might answer, 'Your cousin called you.'

Answer: 'Who' helps you find out 'Your cousin'.

Why It Matters

Knowing how to use 'Who' helps you communicate clearly and get important information about people. This skill is crucial in many fields, from being a journalist interviewing people to a doctor asking about a patient's family, or even a lawyer gathering facts about witnesses. It's how we understand social interactions.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Using 'What' instead of 'Who' for people (e.g., 'What is your best friend?'). | CORRECTION: Use 'Who' for people (e.g., 'Who is your best friend?'). 'What' is for things or ideas.

MISTAKE: Using 'Who' when asking about possession (e.g., 'Who's car is this?'). | CORRECTION: Use 'Whose' for possession (e.g., 'Whose car is this?'). 'Who's' is a short form of 'who is' or 'who has'.

MISTAKE: Not using 'Who' at the beginning of a question (e.g., 'The teacher is who?'). | CORRECTION: Place 'Who' at the start of the question for clarity (e.g., 'Who is the teacher?').

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: Complete the sentence: ______ is your favourite actor? | ANSWER: Who

QUESTION: Your mom asks, '______ left the light on?' What is she asking about? | ANSWER: She is asking about the person who forgot to turn off the light.

QUESTION: Rephrase this statement into a question using 'Who': 'The person who won the singing competition is very talented.' | ANSWER: Who won the singing competition?

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'Who'?

What is knocking on the door?

Who is knocking on the door?

Whose is knocking on the door?

Which is knocking on the door?

The Correct Answer Is:

Option B is correct because 'Who' is used to ask about a person. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because 'What' asks about things, 'Whose' asks about possession, and 'Which' asks about a choice from a group.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

When you use social media apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, if you see a new profile picture and want to know the person, you might text a friend, 'Who is this person?' Or if your school principal makes an announcement, and you want to know who will be leading the new club, you'd ask, 'Who is in charge of the science club?'

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

QUESTION WORD: A word used to ask questions, like who, what, where, when, why, how. | IDENTITY: Who a person is; their name or role. | PERSON: A human being. | CLARITY: Being clear and easy to understand.

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand 'Who', you can explore other question words like 'What' and 'Where'. Learning these will help you ask about things and places, making your communication even more powerful and precise!