who have

USAGE SUMMARY

'who have' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to people who possess something. For example: "The people who have attended all the meetings are the most informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who have they attacked?

Independent

Even those who have jobs.

The New York Times

Who have you turned down?

The New York Times - Magazine

Colleagues, especially those who have received N.S.F.

The New York Times

Talk to others who have constructive opinions.

Independent

It is children who have suffered".

Independent

Find mentors who have shifted careers themselves.

Independent

Thank you to those who have come.

The New York Times

There are people who have moved.

The New York Times

I have enough mates who have boats.

Independent

I wanted people who have that quality.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "who have", ensure the verb agreement is correct in the subsequent clause. For instance, "people who have contributed are acknowledged" maintains grammatical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using singular verb forms with "who have". For example, instead of saying "people who have been is great", use "people who have been are great" to maintain correct plural agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who have" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about people. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

26%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

12%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "who have" is a versatile phrase used as a relative pronoun to introduce clauses that describe people based on shared attributes or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and common in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, alternatives like "that possess" might be preferable in formal writing. Pay attention to verb agreement and avoid singular verbs with the phrase. Ultimately, understanding its function and context ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that possess

Replaces "who have" with a more formal and direct way of indicating possession or attributes.

that own

Focuses specifically on ownership, offering a more concrete alternative to "who have".

who are in possession of

A longer, more emphatic way to express having something, suitable for formal contexts.

who hold

Implies a formal or official holding of something, like a position or title.

that experience

Shifts the focus to experiences rather than possessions, offering a different perspective.

that demonstrate

Highlights the act of showing or proving something, relevant for qualities or skills.

who display

Similar to 'that demonstrate', but focuses on outward presentation of a quality.

that feature

Used when highlighting a specific attribute or characteristic.

who embody

Suggests a complete or perfect representation of a quality or characteristic.

that incorporate

Indicates the inclusion of certain elements or qualities within a whole.

FAQs

How do I use "who have" in a sentence?

Use "who have" to introduce a relative clause describing people that possess a certain attribute or have performed a specific action. For example, "The students "who have studied" diligently will likely succeed".

What is an alternative to "who have" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you might replace "who have" with phrases such as "that possess", "that own", or "who are in possession of" for enhanced clarity and formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "who have"?

While grammatically sound, "who have" might sound less elegant in certain contexts. Consider alternatives like "that possess" or rephrasing the sentence for improved style, especially in formal or literary writing.

What's the difference between "who have" and "who has"?

"Who have" is used with plural nouns or pronouns (e.g., "people who have"), while "who has" is used with singular nouns or pronouns (e.g., "someone who has"). Using the correct form ensures grammatical accuracy.