“Who” vs. “Whom” – How to Correctly Use Each
The use of “who” and “whom” in English can be perplexing, as both words refer to people but serve different grammatical purposes.
This article will guide you through the correct usage of each term, enhancing your command of English grammar.
Quick Summary
“Who” is used as a subject pronoun, while “whom” is used as an object pronoun. The proper use of “who” and “whom” depends on their function in a sentence.
“Who” vs. “Whom” – Which is Correct?
To determine whether “who” or “whom” is correct, you need to analyze their grammatical roles:
| Word | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Who | As a subject pronoun, referring to the person performing an action | Who is going to the store? |
| Whom | As an object pronoun, referring to the person receiving an action | To whom should I address the letter? |
How to Use “Who”
“Who” is a subject pronoun, which means it is used to refer to the subject of a sentence—the person performing the action. Here’s how to use it:
“Who made this delicious pie?”
“Do you know who is in charge here?”
How to Use “Whom”
“Whom” is an object pronoun, used to refer to the object of a sentence—the person receiving the action. It is often preceded by a preposition. Examples include:
“Whom did you invite to the party?”
“For whom is this gift intended?”
Practice Exercises
Try out these exercises to test your grasp of “who” and “whom”:
- _ is responsible for organizing the event?
- The manager, _ I spoke with, was very helpful.
- To _ did you give the keys?
- _ do you think will win the game tonight?
- With _ were you talking just now?
Answer Key:
- Who
- Whom
- Whom
- Who
- Whom
Conclusion
The distinction between “who” and “whom” is a common source of confusion in English grammar. Remember that “who” is used when referring to the subject of a verb, while “whom” is used for the object of a verb or preposition.
With practice and attention to sentence structure, you can master the use of these pronouns and enhance the clarity of your writing.
