Who vs. whom. Are you aware of the difference between these two pronouns? Because they sound similar, most people confuse their usage. But not to worry! This article is going to clear your doubts. We get it! Grammar is complicated but not so complicated if you read the lines in the rule book. Go ahead and read this article below.
In this guide, we’ll be showing you the difference between these two pronouns. You will also learn how to use these pronouns when constructing sentences. Before we discuss it, make sure to learn the usage of other words in 501 Words.
Who vs Whom
We already know that there is a difference between these two pronouns, but don’t exactly know what it is.
“Who” refers to the subject of the sentence. On the other hand, “whom” refers to the object of a verb or preposition.
When to Use Who & Whom
One helpful tip to distinguish between the two is to replace it with another pronoun. If you can replace “he” or “she” with it, use “who” in your sentence. Meanwhile, use “whom” if you can replace it with “him” or “her” with it.
Who vs Whom Examples
To make things easier, here are some examples to help you distinguish between the two pronouns.
Who/whom will pay for the meal?
Right: Who will pay for the meal?
Wrong: Whom will pay for the meal?
This example makes more sense when you read, “he/she will pay for the meal.” It doesn’t make sense if you used him/her. This is why using who is the right answer.
The package is delivered to the house by who/whom?
Right: The package is delivered to the house by whom?
Wrong: The package is delivered to the house by who?
It gets tricky because they both sound right. Remember, first identify what’s the subject of the sentence. In this case, the subject is the package and not the person doing it. Which is why we use “whom” in this sentence because it is the object of the verb “delivered.”
Let’s use the helpful tip of replacing pronouns again. The sentence “The package is delivered to the house by him/her” makes more sense than using “he/she.”
Who/Whom is being summoned to court?
Right: Who is being summoned to court?
Wrong: Whom is being summoned to court?
In this example, it makes more sense to read, “He/She is being summoned to court” compared to “him/her.”
How To Avoid The Who Vs Whom Error
The English language can be difficult to master, and one of the most common mistakes people make when writing is confusing the use of “who” and “whom.” It is important to know when to use each word correctly, as the wrong word can change the meaning of a sentence. Luckily, there are some simple tips to help you avoid making this mistake.
The first tip is to remember that the word “who” is used when referring to a subject, while the word “whom” is used when referring to an object. For example, if you were writing a sentence such as “Who/whom should I call?” the correct answer would be “Who” as the subject of the sentence is being referred to.
It can also be helpful to think of the words as interchangeable with “he” and “him.” If you were writing the sentence “The person who/whom I saw was my friend,” the correct answer would be “whom” since “him” is the object of the sentence.
Another way to remember when to use “who” or “whom” is to use the phrase “he or him” after the word. If the phrase can be used correctly, then you know to use “whom,” and if not, then you know to use “who.” For example, if you were writing the sentence “I am unsure who/whom I should speak to,” you would use “who” since the phrase “he or him” does not work in this case.
Finally, if you are still unsure about which word to use, you can always rewrite the sentence using the pronouns “he” or “him.” For example, if you were writing the sentence “The person who/whom I spoke to was a doctor,” you could rewrite it as “I spoke to him, and he was a doctor.” This sentence makes it clear that the pronoun “him” should be used, so the correct word in the original sentence would be “whom.”
By following these simple tips, you should be able to avoid making the who vs whom error when writing. Remember to think of the words as interchangeable with “he” and “him,” and if you are unsure, try rewriting the sentence using pronouns. With a little practice, you will soon become an expert in using “who” and “whom” correctly in your writing!
Who vs Whom vs Whose
“Whose” is the possessive form of “who.” This means that you should only use this for sentences that indicate possession. This is often used in questions.
Whose dog is this?
Whose car is parked outside?
Whose turn is it to go outside?
You can check out more articles about To vs Too – When to Choose Which One and Why?
Frequently Asked Questions
“Whom” is used to refer to the object of the clause and “Who” is used to refer to the subject of a sentence. So, in this case, you should use, “The girl whom I met at the club”.
Who knows Whom is used to introduce an unknown by someone known.
In confusion to use who and whom. Remember this simple technique, when there is “he” or “she” in your sentence, use who. When there is “him” and “her” in your sentence, use whom.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between “who” and “whom” is important, especially if you’re communicating in business and professional settings. While it seems confusing at first, replacing pronouns in place of who and whom makes it easier. Post questions about writing issues, interrogative pronoun, subjective-case pronoun, objective-case pronoun, object position, direct object, indirect object or anything from the article in the comment box below.
The word “whom” is disappearing from American spoken English. “Whom” is mainly used as a replacement of “who” as the object of a verb or preposition.