who are they vs What are they

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Who are they?' is used when asking about the identity of a group of people, while 'What are they?' is used when asking about the nature or characteristics of a group of people or things.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 957 views

who are they

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about the identity of a group of people.

This phrase is used to inquire about the identities of a group of people. It is commonly used in conversations and informal settings.

Examples:

Who are they? I've never seen them before.
Who are they? Are they friends of yours?

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: October 21, 2024

Jul 8, 2010 ... Who Are They? Jenny Turner reports from the Battle of Ideas. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Email Print 7689 words. The fifth annual ...
Jun 18, 2021 ... Who are “they” and why do we listen to “them”? I'll tell you who “they” are. Are you ready? “They” are you, and “they” are me. We are all ...
Recent advances in molecular biology have facilitated analyses of the oral microbiome ("Who are they?"); however, its functions (e.g., metabolic activities) ...
Apr 2, 2021 ... Who are they? By Andrew Perrin and Sara Atske. For many Americans, going online is an important way to connect with friends and family, shop ...
Children who have received no vaccines: who are they and where do they live? Pediatrics. 2004 Jul;114(1):187-95. doi: 10.1542/peds.114.1.187. Authors. Philip ...
In Who Are "They" Anyway? BJ Gallagher and Steve Ventura lead readers on a personal quest-a journey-in search of someone who can fix what's wrong, deal with ...
Mar 22, 2024 ... Tenz: “who are they peeking?” is probably the hardest line i've heard next to Demon1 “i'm the best player in this game”. Highlight | Esports.
Feb 17, 2020 ... Who are they? Treat the verb to be as though its object behaves like a subject, so 'they', not 'them'; we, I, he, she, instead of us, me, ...
Aug 26, 2022 ... If there are space battles, who are they fighting? Question/Discussion. I've just rewatched the original movie. Leon was an ammunition loader ...
Aug 29, 2016 ... High-Need, High-Cost Patients: Who Are They and How Do They Use Health Care? A Population-Based Comparison of Demographics, Health Care Use ...

Alternatives:

Who are those people?
Can you tell me who they are?
Do you know who they are?

What are they

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about the nature or characteristics of a group of people or things.

This phrase is used to inquire about the nature or characteristics of a group of people or things. It is commonly used in various contexts to seek information.

Examples:

What are they doing over there?
What are they talking about?
What are they like?

Show examples from the web [+]

Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they? Sections. U.S. COVID-19 maps. Track the COVID-19 hot ...
What are they Doing with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology? Data Brief on Current Jobs. bachelorsinsociology.jpg. Bachelors in Sociology Cover. January 2008.
Cryptocurrencies: What are they good for? Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building 538.

Alternatives:

What is their purpose?
What do they do?
What are their qualities?

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who are they vs What are they

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