Last updated on November 12th, 2024 at 09:40 am

English grammar can be tricky, especially with words like “who” and “whom” that often cause confusion.

While some might shy away from “whom” altogether, understanding its correct usage can enhance clarity and add a professional polish to your writing.

Use “who” as the subject (the doer) and “whom” as the object (the receiver) to master clear and polished sentences.

This article will guide you through when to use “who” and “whom,” providing tips, examples, and actionable advice to make the decision easier.

Let’s Jump in and settle the question of “who vs whom” once and for all!

Who vs Whom: Quick and Easy Guide to Get It Right Every Time

Use	Pronoun	Quick Tip	Example
For the Doer	Who	If they’re doing the action, use who	“Who called you?”
For the Receiver	Whom	If they’re receiving the action, use whom	“To whom should I address this?”

Remember:

Who = Doer,

Whom = Receiver

keep it simple!

When To Use Who Or Whom

To get a clear picture of when to use “who” or “whom,” it’s essential to understand the difference between subjective and objective cases.

Knowing this distinction will help you use each word correctly and avoid grammar mistakes in sentence structure.

Subjective vs Objective Case: The Core Difference

• Subjective Case: Refers to the subject of the sentence, the person or thing performing the action.
  
  “Who” is a subjective pronoun used to represent the subject.
• Objective Case: Refers to the object of the sentence, the person or thing that the action is being performed on.
  
  “Whom” is an objective pronoun used to represent the object.

Pronoun Case	Function	Examples
Subjective	Acts as the subject	Who is calling?
Objective	Acts as the object	To whom should I address it?

Understanding this difference is crucial, as it affects not only who and whom usage but also other grammatical decisions in English.

When to Use Who (Subjective Case)

“Who” acts as the subject of a sentence or clause, which means it performs the action.

When the pronoun you’re choosing is the one “doing” something, who is likely the correct choice.

Recognizing “Who” in Sentences

Examples of “Who” in Action:

• “Who is going to the party?”
  • Here, “who” is the one performing the action of “going.”
• “Do you know who wrote this book?”
  • “Who” is the subject, performing the action of “writing.”

Using He/She Test for “Who”

A quick way to confirm whether “who” is the right choice is by substituting “he” or “she” in place of “who.”

If it makes sense, then “who” is correct.

Example:

• “Who wants dessert?” – Substitute: “She wants dessert.”
  Since “she” fits as the subject here, “who” is correct.

When to Use Whom (Objective Case)

“Whom” is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition.

This means whom is the receiver of an action rather than the doer.

Recognizing “Whom” in Sentences

Examples of “Whom” in Action:

• “To whom should I send the invitation?”
  • “Whom” is the object of the preposition “to.”
• “Whom did you speak with?”
  • “Whom” is the object of the verb “speak.”

Using Him/Her Test for “Whom”

A quick trick is to replace “whom” with “him” or “her.”

If the sentence still makes sense, then “whom” is likely correct.

Example:

• “Whom are you inviting?” – Substitute: “I am inviting him.”
  Since “him” works as the object here, “whom” is correct.

What Is The Difference Between Who And Whom

When in doubt, use these two practical tricks to quickly figure out if “who” or “whom” is correct.

Trick 1: The He/Him Test

The he/him test is one of the quickest ways to determine which pronoun to use.

By replacing who with he/she and whom with him/her, you can confirm which one fits the sentence grammatically.

Sentence	Pronoun Replacement	Correct Pronoun
Who/Whom called?	He called	Who
To who/whom it may concern	To him	Whom

Trick 2: Identify Sentence Position

Another way to determine the right choice is by identifying the sentence position of “who” or “whom.”

Ask yourself if the pronoun is doing the action (subject) or receiving the action (object).

If it performs the action, use “who“; if it receives the action, use “whom.”

Understanding “Who” and “Whom” in Everyday Language

While knowing the grammatical rules is essential, it’s equally important to understand how “who” and “whom” are used in real-world scenarios.

Rephrasing for Natural Clarity

One of the best ways to decide between “who” and “whom” is to rephrase the sentence in a way that makes the correct usage more apparent.

Examples:

• “For whom is this gift intended?” → “This gift is intended for him.”
• “Who is coming to the meeting?” → “He is coming to the meeting.”

This rephrasing technique helps clarify the sentence structure and makes it easier to choose the correct pronoun.

Formality: When “Whom” is Necessary

In formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, using “whom” correctly can make your writing sound polished and knowledgeable.

However, in casual conversations, “who” is often used in place of “whom” without any issue. Knowing when to apply each form can impact the tone of your message significantly.

Common Mistakes To Using Who And Whom

Misusing “who” and “whom” is common, but being aware of a few typical mistakes can help you avoid them.

Common Mistakes with Examples

1. Using “Who” as an Object
   • Incorrect: “She asked who the report was for.”
   • Correct: “She asked whom the report was for.”
2. Using “Whom” as a Subject
   • Incorrect: “Whom will arrive first?”
   • Correct: “Who will arrive first?”

Quick Tip: When in doubt, try the he/him test or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What People Ask:

How do I know when to use “who” or “whom”?

Use “who” when referring to the doer (subject) and “whom” for the receiver (object) of the action.

Remember: Who = Doer, Whom = Receiver.

What’s an easy trick to remember “who” vs. “whom”?

Try the he/him test: replace “who” with “he” and “whom” with “him.” If “him” fits, use whom; if “he” fits, use who.

Can I use “who” instead of “whom” in casual writing?

Yes, in informal contexts, many people use “who” even when “whom” is technically correct.

However, using “whom” in formal writing can make it sound polished.

Why is “whom” considered more formal?

“Whom” is seen as more formal because it follows traditional grammar rules, while “who” is more flexible and commonly used in modern, conversational English.

Conclusion

In summary, “who” and “whom” each have their specific roles in English grammar. Using “who” as a subjective pronoun and “whom” as an objective pronoun can make your sentences both correct and impactful.

By applying the tips and examples in this guide, you’ll confidently know which pronoun to use, enhancing your writing clarity and professionalism.

Now you’re ready to decide: Who will use these tips, and whom will you impress with your flawless grammar?