"who rely on" vs "which rely on"

Question

"who rely on" vs "which rely on"

Both 'which rely on' and 'who rely on' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Which rely on' is used when referring to things or non-human entities, while 'who rely on' is used when referring to people or animals. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether the subject is a person or a thing.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'who rely on' when talking about individuals or living beings that depend on something else.

Examples:

The employees, who rely on public transportation, arrived late.
The animals, who rely on hunting for food, are becoming endangered.

Alternatives:

that rely on
that are dependent on

Use 'which rely on' when talking about objects, concepts, or non-human entities that depend on something else.

Examples:

The machines, which rely on electricity, stopped working.
The systems, which rely on accurate data, are functioning well.

Alternatives:

that rely on
that are dependent on

Answer 1

who rely on

This phrase is correct when referring to people or animals.

Answer 2

which rely on

This phrase is correct when referring to things or non-human entities.

"who rely on" vs "which rely on"

who rely on

which rely on

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