The English language is known for its quirks and complexities, and one area that often trips up even native speakers is using who and whom. These two pronouns might seem interchangeable at first glance, but they serve distinct grammatical roles. This article aims to demystify the grammar rules for who and whom, provide practical examples and offer tips to avoid common mistakes.
The Grammar Rules: Who vs. Whom Guide
At the heart of the confusion of using “who” and “whom” lies their grammatical functions. Understanding grammar rules for “who” and “whom” is key to using these pronouns correctly.
- ‘Who’ is a subjective pronoun. It acts as the subject of a verb. In simpler terms, “who” is the doer of an action.
- ‘Whom’ is an objective pronoun. It functions as the object of a verb or preposition, meaning it receives the action.
What is a Subject and an Object in a Sentence?
To grasp the difference between “who” and “whom” better, it’s essential to clearly understand what subjects and objects are in a sentence.
- Subject: The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. In other words, the subject performs the action of the verb.
- Object: The object of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that receives the action of the verb. The object can be direct (receiving the action directly) or indirect (affected by the action).
Examples:
Who
E.g.: “That’s the girl who scored the goal.”
- In this sentence, “who” is the subject performing the action of scoring. “Girl” is the subject noun that “who” refers to, and “scored” is the verb. Thus, “who” is correctly used because it is the subject of the verb “scored.”
Whom
E.g.: “Whom do you like best?”
- Here, “whom” is the object receiving the action of liking. “You” is the subject performing the action of the verb “like,” and “whom” is the person who is liked, hence the object.
Why Understanding This Distinction Matters?
Correct usage of “who” and “whom” is crucial for clarity and precision in communication. Misusing these pronouns can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. When you correctly use “who” and “whom,” you ensure that your sentences are clear, and your meaning is precise.
Furthermore, adhering to these grammatical rules enhances the professionalism and credibility of your writing. Whether you are crafting a formal document, writing an email, or engaging in casual conversation, proper usage of “who” and “whom” reflects a strong command of the English language.
Practical Tips for Determining Who vs. Whom
To help you decide whether to use “who” or “whom,” consider the following practical tips:
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Substitution Test
A simple yet effective way to determine whether to use “who” or “whom” is to replace the pronoun with “he/she” or “him/her.” Try substituting “who” with “he/she” when using it in a sentence and if it fits, then you’re using it right. Do the same with “him/her” and “whom” to see if you’re using it correctly. This substitution test can help you see which pronoun fits correctly within the context of the sentence. Let’s look at a few examples to get a better understanding:
Who
E.g.: “Who is calling?”
- Replace “who” with “he”: “He is calling.” This is correct, so “who” is the right choice.
Replace “who” with “he” or “she.” If the sentence still makes sense, then “who” is correct.
Whom
E.g.: “Whom did you see?”
- Replace “whom” with “him”: “I saw him.” This is correct, so “whom” is the right choice.
Replace “whom” with “him” or “her.” If the sentence still makes sense, then “whom” is correct.
This substitution test works because “he” and “she” are subjective pronouns like “who,” and “him” and “her” are objective pronouns like “whom.”
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Check for Prepositions
Another useful tip is to check for prepositions. Prepositions are words like “to,” “with,” “for,” “by,” and “about” that indicate relationships between different elements in a sentence. When a preposition precedes the pronoun, “whom” is usually the correct choice because prepositions require an object.
E.g.: “With whom are you going?”
- In this sentence, “with” is a preposition. Since prepositions require an object, “whom” is the correct pronoun.
The Advanced Who vs. Whom
While the basic rules cover most situations, some sentences can still pose challenges, particularly those involving complex structures like clauses. These complexities often arise in sentences that include multiple clauses, especially when these clauses serve to provide additional information about a noun in the main clause.
What is a Clause?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb. Clauses can be independent or dependent:
- Independent Clause: A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.
E.g.: “She went to the store.”
- Dependent Clause: A clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It depends on an independent clause to give it meaning.
Example: “Because she needed milk.”
Complex Sentences and Clauses
Consider the sentence: “Some friends went to the cinema, one of who/whom was the birthday boy.”
This sentence is tricky because it contains an adjectival clause, which is a type of dependent clause providing more information about the noun in the main clause. Understanding the function of each clause is crucial to determining whether “who” or “whom” is correct.
Main clause: “Some friends went to the cinema.”
- This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It provides the primary action or information.
Dependent clause: “one of who/whom was the birthday boy.”
- This clause cannot stand alone and depends on the main clause for its meaning. It functions as an adjectival clause, providing additional information about the noun “friends.”
In analyzing the dependent clause, we need to identify the roles of the words within it:
- Subject: “The birthday boy” is the subject of the dependent clause. The subject is the noun performing the action or being described.
- Verb: “Was” is the verb linking the subject to the subject complement.
- Object: “Whom” is the correct pronoun here because it serves as the object of the clause, referring to “one of the friends.”
Therefore, the correct sentence is: “Some friends went to the cinema, one of whom was the birthday boy.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a solid understanding of the rules and tips for using “who” and “whom,” mistakes can still happen. Here are a few common errors, along with detailed explanations of how to avoid them:
Error 1: Misplacing “Who” When a Preposition is Involved
E.g.:
– Incorrect: “Who are you sending the letter to?”
– Correct: “To whom are you sending the letter?”
In the incorrect sentence, “who” is used as the object of the preposition “to.” However, since “who” is a subjective pronoun and should only be used as the subject of a sentence, this usage is incorrect. When a preposition is involved, “whom” should be used as it is the objective pronoun. Placing the preposition “to” at the beginning of the sentence clarifies the relationship and correctly frames “whom” as the object of the preposition.
Error 2: Misidentifying the Object of the Verb
E.g.:
– Incorrect: “The manager, who I spoke to yesterday, was helpful.”
– Correct: “The manager, whom I spoke to yesterday, was helpful.”
In the incorrect sentence, “who” is used as the object of the verb “spoke.” However, “who” is a subjective pronoun and should only be used as the subject of a sentence. In this case, “I” is the subject performing the action (speaking), and “who” (incorrectly used) is intended to be the object receiving the action. Therefore, “whom” is the correct pronoun to use because it serves as the object of the verb “spoke.”
Error 3: Using “Who” as the Object of a Preposition
E.g.:
– Incorrect: “The person who I borrowed the book from is my neighbor.”
– Correct: “The person from whom I borrowed the book is my neighbor.”
In the incorrect sentence, “who” is incorrectly used as the object of the preposition “from.” Since “from” requires an object, “whom” should be used. Rearranging the sentence to place the preposition “from” before “whom” ensures proper grammar and clarity.
Error 4: Using “Who” Instead of “Whom” in Formal Writing
E.g.:
– Incorrect: “To who it may concern.”
– Correct: “To whom it may concern.”
This phrase is often used in formal writing, such as in letters and official documents. “Whom” is the correct pronoun because it is the object of the preposition “to.” Using “who” in this context is grammatically incorrect and can undermine the formality and professionalism of the document.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “who” and “whom” not only enhances your grammatical precision but also improves the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Understanding the roles these pronouns play and applying the simple substitution test, you can confidently navigate even the most complex sentences. Keep practicing, and soon, the distinction between “who” and “whom” will become second nature.
