Recently, this question was posed to the editors of The Chicago Manual of Style:
Q. When referring to a zombie, should I use the relative pronoun who (which would refer to a person) or that (since, technically, the zombie is no longer living)? Essentially, does a zombie cease to become a “person” in the grammatical sense?
I have no ninja sword like Michonne and I cannot shoot like Maggie, but this is about relative pronouns, folks. Someone out there NEEDS HELP with a grammatical conundrum. We can do this. We can help. So tell me your thoughts…
Would you like to read the official answer? Click here…if you dare.
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I confess that I have never given this much thought; however, I believe that since a zombie is not a living thing then the pronoun of choice should be “that”, as in “The zombie that bit Hershel was dispensed forthwith.”
I know of several FB friends who are grammar Nazis and I think that they will agree.
I believe this calls for Sheets’ Special Rule of Zombie Relativity. The answer is that, if the zombie was formerly a relative of yours, you use “who.” Any other walker is properly referred to as “that.”
Well said, Mr. Sheets! It’s as if you do this for a living…
Imagine an army of grammar nazi zombies. Fearsome.
I like your point Christopher. Nice to see zombies are still relevant though…have a little project in the works so I hope they stay that way.
I read an interesting article (can’t remember where!) about the differing popularity of vampire fiction and zombie fiction. The author argued that zombie fiction enjoys more popularity in tough economic timese because its hero is the “do-er” with practical skills. Vampire fiction with its decadence and eroticism, has more success in economic boom times.
Just thought I tell you that I’m enjoying your blog. Keep it up!! Marie
thanks, Marie!