Plural or singular after the relative pronoun "who"

Question

Hi,
What is the grammatical rule for the use of plural or singular after the relative pronoun "who"?
I have no problem using it correctly in a sentence but I cannot come up with a general grammatical rule for that.
Thank you
Hamid

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

hrsaneiplural or singular after the relative pronoun "who"?

I imagine it would have to involve the antecedent of 'who'.

... people who are ...
... the man who is ...
... the worker who is ...
... the members of the committee who are ...
... the girl who is ...
... the children who are ...

Was there something more subtle or complex you were concerned about?

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

hrsaneiWhat is the grammatical rule for the use of plural or singular after the relative pronoun "who"?

It follows the antecedent.

We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Mister Micawber · Answer

CalifJimWas there something more subtle or complex you were concerned about?

Perhaps something like teacher to class: 'Who has/have finished the homework?'

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Mister MicawberPerhaps something like teacher to class: 'Who has/have finished the homework?'

But that is not a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause.

Plural or singular after the relative pronoun "who"

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