Who Else vs. Whom Else – Which is Correct?
The choice between “who else” and “whom else” hinges on grammatical case: “who else” functions as the subject of a verb (nominative case), while “whom else” serves as the object of a verb or preposition (objective case). In contemporary English, “who else” is far more common, often replacing “whom else” even in objective contexts, particularly in informal speech. However, “whom else” remains correct and is preferred in formal writing and speech where precision is valued.
Who Else or Whom Else – Which is Correct?
Both “who else” and “whom else” are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the role the phrase plays in a sentence. The distinction lies in whether the phrase is acting as the subject performing an action or the object receiving an action or following a preposition. “Who else” is used when the phrase is the subject (nominative case), while “whom else” is used when it is the object (objective case).
For a deeper dive into the fundamental distinction, explore the nuances of Who vs. Whom.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To determine whether to use “who else” or “whom else,” use the “he/him” swap test. Replace “who else” or “whom else” with “he” or “him” (or “she/her,” “they/them”). If “he” or “she” fits naturally, then “who else” is correct because “he” and “she” are nominative pronouns. If “him” or “her” fits, then “whom else” is correct because “him” and “her” are objective pronouns. Remember: He = Who, Him = Whom.
- Example: “Who else is coming?” (He is coming? -> Who else)
- Example: “Whom else did you invite?” (Did you invite him? -> Whom else)
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Else | Interrogative/Relative Phrase | Refers to the subject of a verb; asks about additional people performing an action. | “Who else wants to go to the concert?” |
| Whom Else | Interrogative/Relative Phrase | Refers to the object of a verb or preposition; asks about additional people receiving an action or being affected. | “To whom else did you send the invitations?” |
How to Use Who Else
“Who else” is used when the person or people being referred to are the subject of the verb in the clause. This means they are performing the action. It is the nominative form and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts today. In many informal settings, “who else” has largely replaced “whom else” even when grammatically “whom else” would be more appropriate.
Example 1: Who else is volunteering for the charity event this weekend?
Example 2: If not you, who else could have solved such a complex problem?
Example 3: The teacher asked, “Who else needs help with this equation?”
Etymology of the word Who Else
The word “who” derives from the Old English pronoun “hwā,” which served as an interrogative and relative pronoun, referring to persons. It has maintained its nominative function over centuries. The adverb “else” comes from the Old English “elles,” meaning “otherwise,” “in another way,” or “besides.” When combined, “who else” asks about other individuals in addition to those already considered or mentioned.
How to Use Whom Else
“Whom else” is used when the person or people being referred to are the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. This means they are receiving the action or are directly affected by the preposition. “Whom else” is the objective form and is generally considered more formal, often appearing in written English or very formal speech. Its usage has declined significantly in casual conversation.
Example 1: Whom else did the committee consider for the prestigious award?
Example 2: The package was addressed to the CEO, but to whom else might it be delivered?
Example 3: “I need to know whom else you informed about this confidential matter,” she stated firmly.
Etymology of the word Whom Else
“Whom” originates from the Old English “hwām,” which was the dative case (a form of the objective case) of “hwā” (who). It explicitly marked the pronoun as the indirect object or the object of a preposition. Like “who,” the adverb “else” comes from the Old English “elles,” meaning “otherwise” or “besides.” Thus, “whom else” queries other individuals who are the recipients of an action or the object of a preposition.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps solidify the distinction between “who else” and “whom else.”
- Nominative vs. Objective Case: This is the core concept. The nominative case is for subjects (the doer of the action), while the objective case is for objects (the receiver of the action or the object of a preposition). “Who” is nominative, “whom” is objective.
- Interrogative Pronouns: Both “who” and “whom” are interrogative pronouns when used to ask questions. They introduce questions about people. The addition of “else” specifies asking about additional people.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “If not us, who else? If not now, when?” – A common rallying cry, often attributed to various leaders.
- “To whom else did you reveal the location of the hidden treasure?” – From an adventure novel.
- “The director, after reviewing the cast, pondered, ‘Who else possesses such raw talent?'” – A film critic’s observation.
- “He was a man of few confidantes, so whom else could he have trusted with such a secret?” – A passage from a historical biography.
- “When the final bell rang, who else remained in the classroom besides the professor and me?” – An excerpt from a memoir.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- ______ is going to help me move this heavy furniture?
- For ______ are these special arrangements being made?
- ______ did you see at the party that you recognized?
- ______ has a valid passport for international travel?
- To ______ should I address my concerns about the new policy?
Answer Key
- Who else
- Whom else
- Whom else
- Who else
- Whom else
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “whom else” ever truly necessary in casual conversation?
While grammatically correct, “whom else” is rarely necessary in casual conversation. “Who else” is widely accepted and understood in most informal contexts, even when functioning as an object.
Question 2: Can “who else” ever be used instead of “whom else”?
In informal speech and writing, “who else” is frequently used in place of “whom else,” even when “whom else” would be grammatically correct. However, in formal settings, adhering to the subject/object distinction is advised.
Question 3: Does “else” change the grammar of “who” or “whom”?
No, the word “else” is an adverb that means “in addition to” or “besides.” It modifies the interrogative pronoun but does not change its grammatical case. The choice between “who” and “whom” is still determined by the pronoun’s function as a subject or object in the sentence.
Conclusion
The distinction between “who else” and “whom else” boils down to grammatical case: “who else” serves as the subject of a verb, while “whom else” functions as the object of a verb or preposition. While modern English often blurs this line, especially in casual communication where “who else” prevails, understanding and correctly applying “whom else” in formal contexts demonstrates precision and a strong command of the language. A good pro tip is to remember the “he/him” test: if “he” works, use “who else”; if “him” works, use “whom else,” ensuring your communication maintains a professional reputation.
