Who or what?

These are great words to use when you want to check information.

They are used at the start of a question to find something out.

Who is used when we want to find out about people in general.

What is used when we want to find out about a thing, action, event or idea.

Who

Who wrote this song?

Who is joining us for dinner this evening?

Who would like another coffee?

Who is doing anything interesting this weekend?

Who would like another cup of coffee?

What

What is the name of the company we have given the catering contract to?

What time is the meeting about the new warehouse?

What did you do at the weekend?

What is AI?

What would you like to drink?

Using who and what we can find out different information about the same thing:

Who wrote your favourite song?

What is your favourite song?

Who did you invite to dinner this evening?

What restaurant are we going to this evening?

Who would like a cup of coffee?

What would you like to drink?

Who wants to go bowling at the weekend?

What would you like to do at the weekend?

Note that what questions have a larger number of possible answers than who questions.

Next time you ask a question think about what it is that you really want to find out. Do you need to ask who or what?

If you have any questions...Talk to me about Business English coaching.

Melissa completed a Business English course and this is what she had to say:

"I really enjoyed the English lessons with Joanne. She is such a sweet teacher!

The lessons were completely adapted to tasks I have to do at work. 

Whenever she saw that I was struggling with something, extra attention was paid to it. 

I have become much more confident with my English communication.

I definitely recommend Joanne Reilly!"