When it comes to using the correct pronouns in a sentence, many of us get confused between “who” and “whom.” The confusion arises because both words are used to ask questions about people, but they have different grammatical functions. In this article, we will delve into the world of grammar and explore the correct usage of “who” and “whom” in sentences.
Understanding the Basics of Who and Whom
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of using “who” and “whom” in sentences, let’s first understand the basics of these two words. “Who” is a pronoun that is used as the subject of a sentence, whereas “whom” is an object pronoun. In simpler terms, “who” is used when referring to the person performing the action, while “whom” is used when referring to the person receiving the action.
For example:
- “Who ate the last slice of pizza?” (Here, “who” is the subject of the sentence, referring to the person who performed the action of eating the pizza.)
- “Whom did you invite to the party?” (Here, “whom” is the object of the sentence, referring to the person who received the action of being invited.)
The Subject-Object Rule
To determine whether to use “who” or “whom” in a sentence, you can use the subject-object rule. If the pronoun is the subject of the sentence, use “who.” If the pronoun is the object of the sentence, use “whom.”
For example:
- “Who is going to the movies tonight?” (Here, “who” is the subject of the sentence, referring to the person who is performing the action of going to the movies.)
- “Whom did you see at the movies?” (Here, “whom” is the object of the sentence, referring to the person who was seen at the movies.)
Using Who and Whom in Relative Clauses
Relative clauses are clauses that begin with a pronoun, such as “who,” “whom,” or “which.” When using “who” and “whom” in relative clauses, the same subject-object rule applies.
For example:
- “The person who is standing over there is my friend.” (Here, “who” is the subject of the relative clause, referring to the person who is performing the action of standing.)
- “The person whom I met at the party is a doctor.” (Here, “whom” is the object of the relative clause, referring to the person who was met at the party.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes people make when using “who” and “whom” is using “whom” as the subject of a sentence. This is incorrect, as “whom” is an object pronoun and cannot be used as the subject of a sentence.
For example:
- “Whom is going to the movies tonight?” (This is incorrect, as “whom” is being used as the subject of the sentence. The correct sentence would be “Who is going to the movies tonight?”)
Another common mistake is using “who” as the object of a sentence. This is also incorrect, as “who” is a subject pronoun and cannot be used as the object of a sentence.
For example:
- “I saw who at the movies.” (This is incorrect, as “who” is being used as the object of the sentence. The correct sentence would be “I saw whom at the movies.”)
The Trick to Getting it Right
So, how can you ensure that you are using “who” and “whom” correctly in your sentences? Here’s a trick:
Try replacing the word “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him” in the sentence. If “he” sounds correct, use “who.” If “him” sounds correct, use “whom.”
For example:
- “Who is going to the movies tonight?” -> “He is going to the movies tonight.” (Here, “he” sounds correct, so we use “who.”)
- “Whom did you see at the movies?” -> “I saw him at the movies.” (Here, “him” sounds correct, so we use “whom.”)
Conclusion
In conclusion, using “who” and “whom” correctly in sentences can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. By understanding the subject-object rule and using the trick of replacing “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him,” you can ensure that you are using these pronouns correctly in your sentences. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and soon you’ll be a pro at using “who” and “whom” correctly.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips to keep in mind when using “who” and “whom” in your sentences:
- Always use “who” as the subject of a sentence.
- Always use “whom” as the object of a sentence.
- Use the subject-object rule to determine whether to use “who” or “whom” in a sentence.
- Use the trick of replacing “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him” to ensure that you are using the correct pronoun.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grammar expert and using “who” and “whom” correctly in your sentences.
| Word | Function | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Subject | “Who is going to the movies tonight?” |
| Whom | Object | “Whom did you see at the movies?” |
In summary, using “who” and “whom” correctly in sentences requires a good understanding of the subject-object rule and the ability to use the correct pronoun in the correct context. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grammar expert and using “who” and “whom” correctly in your sentences.
What is the difference between ‘who’ and ‘whom’?
The difference between ‘who’ and ‘whom’ lies in their grammatical function. ‘Who’ is a subject pronoun, used as the subject of a sentence, whereas ‘whom’ is an object pronoun, used as the object of a verb or preposition. This distinction is crucial in determining the correct usage of these words.
In modern English, the distinction between ‘who’ and ‘whom’ is often blurred, and ‘who’ is commonly used in both subject and object positions. However, in formal writing and speaking, it is still important to use ‘whom’ as the object of a verb or preposition to maintain grammatical correctness.
When do I use ‘who’ in a sentence?
You use ‘who’ in a sentence when it is the subject of the verb, meaning it is performing the action described by the verb. For example, ‘Who ate the last slice of cake?’ or ‘Who is going to the movies tonight?’ In these sentences, ‘who’ is the subject of the verb ‘ate’ and ‘is going,’ respectively.
It’s also worth noting that ‘who’ is often used in questions, as in the examples above. In these cases, ‘who’ is used to ask for the identity of the person performing the action.
When do I use ‘whom’ in a sentence?
You use ‘whom’ in a sentence when it is the object of a verb or preposition, meaning it is receiving the action described by the verb. For example, ‘Whom did you invite to the party?’ or ‘To whom should I address this letter?’ In these sentences, ‘whom’ is the object of the verb ‘invite’ and the preposition ‘to,’ respectively.
In general, if you can replace the word with ‘him’ or ‘her,’ you should use ‘whom.’ For example, ‘Whom did you see?’ can be rewritten as ‘I saw him,’ so ‘whom’ is the correct choice.
What is the trick to determining whether to use ‘who’ or ‘whom’?
One trick to determining whether to use ‘who’ or ‘whom’ is to try replacing the word with ‘he’ or ‘him.’ If ‘he’ sounds correct, use ‘who.’ If ‘him’ sounds correct, use ‘whom.’ For example, ‘Who/whom ate the last slice of cake?’ sounds correct with ‘he,’ so ‘who’ is the correct choice.
Another trick is to identify the verb and determine whether the word is the subject or object of that verb. If it’s the subject, use ‘who.’ If it’s the object, use ‘whom.’
Is it ever acceptable to use ‘who’ instead of ‘whom’?
In informal writing and speaking, it is often acceptable to use ‘who’ instead of ‘whom.’ In fact, many people use ‘who’ in object positions without realizing it, and it is generally understood. However, in formal writing and speaking, such as in academic or professional contexts, it is still important to use ‘whom’ correctly.
It’s also worth noting that some style guides, such as the AP Stylebook, recommend using ‘who’ instead of ‘whom’ in most cases, even in formal writing. However, this is not universally accepted, and it’s always best to check with the relevant style guide or authority.
Can I use ‘whom’ as the subject of a sentence?
No, you should not use ‘whom’ as the subject of a sentence. ‘Whom’ is an object pronoun, and using it as the subject of a sentence is grammatically incorrect. For example, ‘Whom is going to the movies tonight?’ is incorrect, and should be rewritten as ‘Who is going to the movies tonight?’
Using ‘whom’ as the subject of a sentence can sound formal or even pretentious, but it is not correct. Instead, use ‘who’ as the subject of the sentence, and reserve ‘whom’ for object positions.
How do I use ‘who’ and ‘whom’ in relative clauses?
In relative clauses, ‘who’ and ‘whom’ are used to introduce a clause that provides more information about a noun. ‘Who’ is used as the subject of the clause, while ‘whom’ is used as the object of the clause. For example, ‘The person who ate the last slice of cake is my brother,’ or ‘The person whom I invited to the party is my friend.’
In general, the same rules apply to relative clauses as to main clauses: use ‘who’ as the subject and ‘whom’ as the object. However, it’s worth noting that ‘who’ is often used in relative clauses even when it’s not strictly correct, and this is generally accepted in informal writing and speaking.