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Breaking Down the Basics: Who vs. Whom
- Patricia Santos
- Common English Errors
Introduction
Even experienced users of English can get tripped up by the fine points of grammar, and one area that frequently causes confusion is the difference between “who” and “whom.” Despite their similar appearance and related functions, these two words serve distinct grammatical purposes. Misusing “who” and “whom” not only disrupts the flow of a sentence but can also undermine the clarity of communication.
If you want to truly conquer English grammar, using “who” and “whom” correctly is a must. These pronouns are pivotal in constructing grammatically accurate and stylistically polished sentences. Whether you are drafting a formal document, engaging in academic writing, or simply aiming to enhance your everyday language skills, mastering the difference between “who” and “whom” is a valuable asset.
In this blog, we will break down the basics of “who” and “whom,” providing clear definitions and practical examples to illustrate their proper usage. We will explore the rules that govern their application, offer tips and tricks to remember the differences and address common questions and confusions. This guide will turn you into a “who” and “whom” whiz! By the finish, you’ll be using them perfectly in any situation. Let’s delve into the grammar essentials and resolve this grammatical difficulty once and for all.
Understanding the Basics
To grasp the difference between “who” and “whom,” it is essential first to understand the concept of pronouns and their roles in sentences. Pronouns are words that replace nouns, helping to avoid repetition and making sentences easier to understand. “Who” and “whom” are both pronouns, but they function differently based on their roles as subject and object pronouns.
Subject Pronouns vs. Object Pronouns
A subject pronoun is used when the pronoun is the sentence’s subject. The subject of a sentence performs the action. For example, in the sentence, “She runs every morning,” “she” is the subject pronoun acting for running. Similarly, “who” is a subject pronoun. You use “who” when referring to the person doing the action. For instance, “Who is coming to the party?” Here, “who” is the subject performing the action of coming.
On the other hand, an object pronoun is used when the pronoun is the object of the sentence, meaning it receives the action. In the sentence, “The teacher called him,” “him” is the object pronoun receiving the action of being called. Similarly, “whom” is an object pronoun. You use “whom” when referring to the person receiving the action. For example, “Whom did you see at the concert?” Here, “whom” is the object receiving the action of seeing.
Definitions of “Who” and “Whom”
- Who: A subject pronoun refers to the person performing the action in a sentence.
- Whom: An object pronoun refers to the person receiving the action in a sentence.
By distinguishing between subject and object pronouns, you can accurately determine when to use “who” and “whom.” Recognizing the role each pronoun plays within the context of a sentence is crucial for proper grammatical structure and effective communication. This groundwork prepares us to explore the finer points of using “who” and “whom” through specific rules and examples.
Subject vs. Object Pronouns
Unraveling the mystery of “who” and “whom” hinges on mastering subject and object pronouns. Let’s delve into the details of these pronouns, examining how they function within sentences and providing examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Subject Pronouns
Subject pronouns take center stage in the sentence, acting as the doer of the action. The subject performs the action of the verb. Common subject pronouns include “I,” “you,” “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” and “they.” For example:
- “She runs every morning.”
- “They are going to the concert.”
In these sentences, “she” and “they” are the subjects performing the actions of running and going, respectively.
Who as a Subject Pronoun
“Who” functions as a subject pronoun and refers to the person performing the action. It is often used in questions and relative clauses. For example:
- “Who is calling?”
- “The person who called you is my friend.”
In the first sentence, “who” is the subject performing the action of calling, and in the second sentence, “who” is the subject of the relative clause “who called you,” performing the action of calling.
Object Pronouns
Object pronouns take the backseat in a sentence, receiving the action of the verb. The object receives the action of the verb. Common object pronouns include “me,” “you,” “him,” “her,” “it,” “us,” and “them.” For example:
- “The teacher called him.”
- “She gave them a gift.”
In these sentences, “him” and “them” are the objects receiving the actions of being called and being given a gift, respectively.
Whom as an Object Pronoun
“Whom” functions as an object pronoun and refers to the person receiving the action. It is often used in questions and relative clauses. For example:
- “Whom did you see?”
- “The person whom you saw is my friend.”
In the first sentence, “whom” is the object receiving the action of seeing. In the second sentence, “whom” is the object of the relative clause “whom you saw,” receiving the action of seeing.
Identifying the Subject and Object
To determine whether to use “who” or “whom,” identify whether the pronoun is the subject or the object of the verb in the sentence. A simple trick is to replace the pronoun with “he/she” or “him/her.” If “he” or “she” fits, use “who.” If “him” or “her” fits, use “whom.” For example:
- “Who/whom is coming to dinner?” (He is coming to dinner -> Who is coming to dinner?)
- “Who/whom should I invite?” (I should invite him -> Whom should I invite?)
Mastering “who” and “whom” is your key to unlocking clear and confident communication! This guide equips you with the rules and examples to make these tricky pronouns a breeze. By understanding subject and object pronouns, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grammar pro!
When to Use "Who"
Rule for Using “Who” as a Subject Pronoun
“Who” is used as a subject pronoun, meaning it refers to the person or people performing the action in a sentence. It is analogous to other subject pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they.” When you need to specify the doer of an action, “who” is the appropriate choice. This rule applies regardless of whether the sentence is a question or a statement.
Examples and Practice Sentences
Understanding the usage of “who” becomes easier with examples. Here are a few sentences illustrating the correct application:
- Questions:
- “Who is going to the store?”
- In this sentence, “who” is the subject performing the action of going to the store.
- “Who is going to the store?”
- “Who won the game last night?”
- Here, “who” is the subject winning the game.
- “Who won the game last night?”
- “Who called me earlier?”
- “Who” is the subject performing the action of calling.
- “Who called me earlier?”
2. Relative Clauses:
- “The student who scored the highest will receive a prize.”
- “Who” is the subject within the relative clause “who scored the highest.”
- “The student who scored the highest will receive a prize.”
- “I know the person who designed this building.”
- In this example, “who” is the subject of the relative clause “who designed this building.”
- “I know the person who designed this building.”
3. Statements:
- “Whoever finishes first will get a reward.”
- “Whoever” is a compound form where “who” is still the subject.
- “Whoever finishes first will get a reward.”
- “It was John who solved the puzzle.”
- “Who” is the subject identifying John as the puzzle solver.
- “It was John who solved the puzzle.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “who” instead of “whom”:
- Incorrect: “To who did you give the book?”
- Correct: “To whom did you give the book?”
- Here, “whom” is needed because it is the object of the preposition “to.”
- Incorrect: “To who did you give the book?”
2. Confusion in relative clauses:
- Incorrect: “The man, who I met yesterday, was very kind.”
- Correct: “The man, whom I met yesterday, was very kind.”
- In this case, “whom” is needed because it is the object of “met.”
- Incorrect: “The man, who I met yesterday, was very kind.”
3. Overcomplicating sentences:
- Incorrect: “Who do you think will win?”
- Correct: “Who will win?”
- Simplify by directly using “who” as the subject without adding unnecessary complexity.
- Incorrect: “Who do you think will win?”
“Who” is your go-to pronoun for subjects! Remembering this simple rule helps you avoid common mistakes and keeps your sentences grammatically sound. Practice identifying the subject in various sentences to become more comfortable with this rule.
When to Use "Whom"
Rule for Using “Whom” as an Object Pronoun
“Whom” is used as an object pronoun, meaning it refers to the person or people receiving the action in a sentence. It functions similarly to other object pronouns like “him,” “her,” and “them.” When you need to specify the receiver of an action, “whom” is the correct choice. This rule applies in both questions and statements, as well as in relative clauses.
Examples and Practice Sentences
Understanding the usage of “whom” is clearer with practical examples. Here are a few sentences to illustrate its correct application:
1. Questions:
- “Whom did you see at the party?”
- In this sentence, “whom” is the object receiving the action of seeing.
- “Whom did you see at the party?”
- “To whom should I address the package?”
- Here, “whom” is the object of the preposition “to.”
- “To whom should I address the package?”
- “Whom are you inviting to the wedding?”
- “Whom” is the object receiving the action of inviting.
- “Whom are you inviting to the wedding?”
2. Relative Clauses:
- “The person whom you met yesterday is my friend.”
- “Whom” is the object within the relative clause “whom you met yesterday.”
- “The person whom you met yesterday is my friend.”
- “She is someone whom everyone respects.”
- In this example, “whom” is the object of the verb “respects” in the relative clause “whom everyone respects.”
- “She is someone whom everyone respects.”
3. Statements:
- “I don’t know whom to trust.”
- “Whom” is the object receiving the action of trusting.
- “I don’t know whom to trust.”
- “Whom you choose will determine the outcome.”
- “Whom” is the object in the noun clause “whom you choose.”
- “Whom you choose will determine the outcome.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “whom” instead of “who”:
- Incorrect: “Whom is calling me?”
- Correct: “Who is calling me?”
- Here, “who” is needed because it is the subject of the verb “calling.”
- Incorrect: “Whom is calling me?”
2. Misidentifying the object:
- Incorrect: “I don’t know who to believe.”
- Correct: “I don’t know whom to believe.”
- In this case, “whom” is needed because it is the object of the verb “believe.”
- Incorrect: “I don’t know who to believe.”
3. Misuse in questions:
- Incorrect: “Whom is going to the store?”
- Correct: “Who is going to the store?”
- “Who” should be used as it is the subject performing the action.
- Incorrect: “Whom is going to the store?”
By consistently applying the rule that “whom” is used for the object of a sentence or clause, you can avoid these common mistakes and enhance the grammatical accuracy of your writing. Practice by identifying the object in various sentences to build your confidence in using “whom” correctly.
Tricks and Tips for Remembering
“Who” vs. “whom” got you stumped? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This guide unlocks the secrets of these tricky pronouns with quick tips, memory aids, and exercises. Get ready to conquer your writing and speech with flawless grammar!
Quick Tips for Deciding Between “Who” and “Whom”
1. He/Him Test:
- Replace “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him” in the sentence.
- If “he” fits, use “who.” If “him” fits, use “whom.”
- Example: “Who/Whom did you see?”
- “Did you see him?” (fits, so use “whom “): “Whom did you see?”
- Example: “Who/Whom did you see?”
- Example: “Who/Whom is calling?”
- “He is calling.” (fits, so use “who “): “Who is calling?”
- Example: “Who/Whom is calling?”
2. Preposition Rule:
- If there is a preposition (to, with, for, etc.) directly before the pronoun, use “whom.”
- Example: “To who/whom am I speaking?”
- “To whom am I speaking?” (because “to” is a preposition before the pronoun)
- Example: “To who/whom am I speaking?”
Mnemonic Devices and Memory Aids
1. “Who” and “He”:
- Both “who” and “he” are subject pronouns and do not end in “m.”
- Remember: “Who” is like “he.”
2. “Whom” and “Him”:
- Both “whom” and “him” are object pronouns and end in “m.”
- Remember: “Whom” is like “him.”
3. Song Mnemonic:
- Create a simple song or rhyme to remember the rules.
- Example: “Who does the action, whom receives it done.”
Real-Life Applications and Exercises
1. Identify in Reading:
- While reading books, articles, or any text, identify the usage of “who” and “whom.”
- Note how they are used in different sentences and contexts.
2. Write Practice Sentences:
- Write sentences using “who” and “whom” based on your daily experiences.
- Example: “Whom did I meet at the conference?” “Who will attend the meeting?”
3. Quiz Yourself:
- Create or use online quizzes to test your understanding.
- Example: Convert statements to questions using “who” or “whom.”
These tips and tricks will turn you into a “who” and “whom” whiz! Soon, using them correctly will feel effortless. Regular practice and application of these rules will enhance your grammatical accuracy and confidence in using these pronouns correctly.
Common Questions and Confusions
Understanding when to use “who” and “whom” can still be confusing even with a grasp of the basic rules. Here are some common questions and clarifications to help dispel any remaining doubts.
FAQs about “Who” and “Whom”
1. When should I use “who” vs. “whom” in questions?
- Use “who” when the pronoun is the subject of the verb in the question.
- Example: “Who is coming to the party?” (“Who” is the subject doing the coming.)
- Use “whom” when the pronoun is the object of the verb in the question.
- Example: “Whom did you invite?” (“Whom” is the object receiving the action of inviting.)
2. How do I use “who” and “whom” in relative clauses?
- Use “who” when the pronoun is the subject of the relative clause.
- Example: “The person who called you is my friend.” (“Who” is the subject of the clause “who called you.”)
- Use “whom” when the pronoun is the object of the relative clause.
- Example: “The person whom you called is my friend.” (“Whom” is the object of the clause “whom you called.”)
Clarifying Common Confusions and Misconceptions
1. Misconception: “Whom” sounds overly formal and is rarely used.
- While “whom” may sound formal, it is still correct and used in formal writing and speech. Using “whom” correctly can enhance the precision of your language, especially in professional and academic contexts.
2. Confusion: “Who” and “whom” with prepositions.
- When a preposition is directly in front of the pronoun, use “whom.”
- Example: “To whom am I speaking?” (The preposition “to” precedes the pronoun.)
- When the preposition is at the end of the clause, it can be more flexible.
- Example: “Who are you speaking to?” (Informal)
- Example: “To whom are you speaking?” (Formal)
Examples from Literature and Popular Media
1. Literature:
- “To whom it may concern,” a common formal phrase used in letters, demonstrates the correct usage of “whom” after a preposition.
- Shakespeare often used “whom” correctly in his plays: “The lady whom thou gavest to me.”
2. Popular Media:
- In TV shows and movies, dialogue often includes both “who” and “whom.” For example, in the TV series “Friends,” Joey famously struggles with “whom” in the episode “The One Where Joey Speaks French.”
- Correct usage in news headlines and articles: “Whom will voters choose?”
By addressing these common questions and clarifying frequent confusions, you can refine your understanding of “who” and “whom.” Recognizing the nuances in various contexts will help you apply these pronouns accurately, enhancing both your written and spoken communication.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between “who” and “whom” is a vital step in improving your English grammar skills. Think of “who” as the star of the sentence, doing the action. “Whom” is more like the supporting cast, receiving the action. By applying the he/him test and recognizing the roles these pronouns play in sentences, you can confidently use them correctly. Regular practice and exercises will solidify your understanding and enhance your communication.
Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to test yourself with examples from daily life or literature. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to leave a comment or ask. Happy learning!
References
- Bledsoe, J. (2020, July 24). Who vs. Whom: How to Use Them Correctly. Grammarly Blog. Retrieved from https://www.grammarly.com/blog/who-vs-whom/
- Ferlazzo, L. (2018, September 25). Who vs. Whom: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using These Common Pronouns. ProWritingAid Blog. Retrieved from https://prowritingaid.com/art/599/Who-vs-Whom.aspx
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Who vs. Whom. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/who-vs-whom-usage
- Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Who Versus Whom. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/grammar/pronouns/who_vs_whom.html
- Scribendi. (n.d.). Who vs. Whom: A Simple Way to Determine Which Word to Use. Retrieved from https://www.scribendi.com/advice/who_vs_whom.en.html
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