For Who vs. For Whom – Which is Correct?

The choice between for who and for whom hinges on grammatical case. In formal English, for whom is always correct because “whom” is the objective case of “who” and should be used as the object of a preposition like “for.” “For who” is grammatically incorrect in formal contexts.

For Whom or For Who – Which is Correct?

When deciding between “for who” and “for whom,” the grammatically correct and formally preferred option is for whom. This is because “whom” is an objective pronoun, meaning it functions as the object of a verb or, in this case, a preposition (“for”). “Who” is a subjective pronoun, used when it is the subject of a verb.

The core distinction lies in the grammatical role of the pronoun within the sentence. If the pronoun is receiving the action or is the object of a preposition, it requires the objective case (“whom”). If the pronoun is performing the action, it requires the subjective case (“who”). Since “for” is a preposition, the pronoun following it must be in the objective case.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To determine whether to use “who” or “whom” (and thus “for who” or “for whom”), use the “he/him” swap test:

• If you can replace the pronoun with “he” or “she,” use who.
• If you can replace the pronoun with “him” or “her,” use whom.

Let’s apply this to “for whom”:

Consider the sentence: “To ___ should I give this?”

If you rephrase the answer: “I should give this to him.” Since “him” fits, “whom” is correct: “To whom should I give this?”

For the phrase “for ___”:
“This gift is for ___.”
If you answer: “This gift is for him.” Since “him” fits, use “whom”: “This gift is for whom?”

Word/Phrase	Part of Speech/Role	Meaning/Usage	Example
For Whom	Prepositional Phrase (object)	Used when referring to the person who is the object of the preposition “for.” Grammatically correct in formal English.	For whom are you waiting?
For Who	Grammatically Incorrect (informal usage)	Incorrect in formal English because “who” is a subjective pronoun and cannot be the object of a preposition. Common in informal speech.	Incorrect: For who did you buy that? (Should be: For whom did you buy that?)

How to Use Whom

The pronoun “whom” is the objective case of “who.” It is used when the pronoun functions as the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition. While often seen as overly formal in casual conversation, its correct usage is crucial in academic writing, professional communication, and any context requiring precise grammar.

To correctly use “whom,” always consider its role in the sentence. If it’s receiving an action or follows a preposition (like “for,” “with,” “to,” “by,” “from”), “whom” is the appropriate choice. The key is to remember that prepositions always take an object, and that object must be in the objective case.

To fully grasp the nuances of pronoun usage, exploring the broader topic of “Who” vs. “Whom” can provide further clarity.

Example 1: To whom did you address the letter?

Example 2: She is the artist by whom the masterpiece was painted.

Example 3: The committee will decide for whom the scholarship is intended.

Etymology of the word Whom

The word “whom” traces its origins back to Old English, specifically from “hwām,” which was the dative case of “hwā” (who). In Old English, pronouns had more distinct case endings for nominative (subject), accusative (direct object), dative (indirect object), and genitive (possessive). Over centuries, English lost most of its complex case system, but the distinction between “who” (nominative) and “whom” (objective/dative) survived, especially in formal writing. This retention highlights its historical role as an object pronoun.

Related Concepts

Understanding the broader grammatical concepts of subject and object pronouns, as well as the function of prepositions, is key to mastering the use of “who” and “whom.”

• Subject and Object Pronouns: Personal pronouns change form depending on whether they are the subject (performing the action) or the object (receiving the action). For example, “I” is a subject pronoun, while “me” is an object pronoun. Similarly, “who” is a subject pronoun, and “whom” is an object pronoun. This distinction is fundamental to choosing the correct form.
• Prepositions and Their Objects: A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence (e.g., “in,” “on,” “at,” “for,” “with”). A preposition always takes an object, which must be a noun or an objective pronoun. Therefore, when a pronoun follows a preposition, it must be in the objective case, hence “for whom,” “to whom,” “with whom,” etc.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “To whom it may concern…” – A classic formal salutation in letters and official documents.
• “Ask not for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” – John Donne, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions (1624). This famous line perfectly illustrates the correct use of “for whom.”
• “For whom are you doing this?” – A common question in more formal interviews or dramatic scenes.
• “He was a man to whom great respect was due.” – Demonstrates “whom” as the object of the preposition “to.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “for who” ever acceptable?
While grammatically incorrect in formal English, “for who” is common in informal speech and casual writing. Many native speakers use “who” instead of “whom” even after prepositions in everyday conversation. However, for academic, professional, or formal contexts, “for whom” is the only correct choice.

Question 2: Does the “he/him” trick always work?
Yes, the “he/him” (or “she/her”) swap test is a reliable mnemonic for determining whether to use “who” or “whom.” If “he” or “she” fits, use “who.” If “him” or “her” fits, use “whom.” This works because “he/she” are subjective pronouns, and “him/her” are objective pronouns, mirroring the distinction between “who” and “whom.”

Question 3: Why is “whom” disappearing from common usage?
The English language tends to simplify over time, and the distinction between “who” and “whom” is one of the more complex grammatical rules. In informal contexts, the use of “who” has largely replaced “whom” to avoid sounding overly formal or pedantic. However, the distinction remains important in formal writing and speech to maintain grammatical precision.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct phrase in formal English is unequivocally for whom. This adheres to the grammatical rule that a pronoun acting as the object of a preposition must be in the objective case. While “for who” might be heard in casual conversation, it is considered incorrect in any formal written or spoken context. Mastering this distinction enhances clarity and demonstrates a strong command of the English language.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, especially in professional or academic writing, always opt for “for whom.” It’s better to be grammatically precise than to risk undermining your credibility with an avoidable error.