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Tenacious Learner Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Question about 'who'

Hi Teachers,

Is it possible to ask this question with 'who' even though the answer refers to the building in which the police station is headquartered.

Who told Halls to meet Baxter?

Scotland Yard did.

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

It's fine. This kind of thing is done frequently, especially in informal spoken English. Note that it doesn't have to be an inanimate object, it can also be an organization or some other non-person entity.

— MalRey

  • It's fine.
  • This kind of thing is done frequently, especially in informal spoken English.
  • Note that it doesn't have to be an inanimate object, it can also be an organization or some other non-person entity.
  • Examples: Q: Who allowed all those weapons to be sold into Mexico?
  • A: The Department of Justice.
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2 Answers
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It's fine. This kind of thing is done frequently, especially in informal spoken English.

Note that it doesn't have to be an inanimate object, it can also be an organization or some other non-person entity.

Examples:

Q: Who allowed all those weapons to be sold into Mexico?

A: The Department of Justice.

Q: Who shut down U.S. oil drilling in the Gulf of Me
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Hi MalRey,

Thank you for your reply. Now I know the reason.Emotion: smile

Best,

TS
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