Rules for using Who and Whom

One of the most perplexing grammar rules for many people is when to use “who” and when to use “whom.” These two words can be quite confusing, but there are some simple guidelines to help you use them correctly. Let’s delve into the rules for using “who” and “whom.”

Subject vs. Object

One of the key differences between “who” and “whom” is their function in a sentence. “Who” is used as the subject of a sentence, while “whom” is used as the object. For example:

• Who is coming to the party?
• To whom did you give the gift?

Ask a Question

If you can rephrase the sentence as a question, use “who.” If you can rephrase the sentence with an answer that includes “him” or “her,” use “whom.” For example:

• Who is she going with?
• She is going with him.

Substitute the Pronoun

Another trick to determine whether to use “who” or “whom” is to substitute the pronoun. If you can replace “who” with “he” or “she,” use “who.” If you can replace “whom” with “him” or “her,” use “whom.” For example:

• Who wrote the book? (He wrote the book)
• To whom should I address the letter? (I should address the letter to him)

Relative Clauses

When using “who” and “whom” in relative clauses, the same rules apply. “Who” is used for the subject, and “whom” is used for the object. For example:

• The man who won the race is my brother.
• The woman with whom I spoke is the CEO.

Practice and Consistency

Like any grammar rule, using “who” and “whom” correctly takes practice. Be consistent in your usage to avoid confusion. With time and effort, you’ll master the nuances of these pronouns.

Remember, “who” is for the subject, and “whom” is for the object. If you’re ever unsure, try asking yourself if you can substitute a pronoun like “he” or “him” to help determine the correct usage.

Now that you have a better understanding of when to use “who” and “whom,” practice using them in your writing to improve your grammar skills.

For more grammar tips and tricks, visit Edit Mojo.

#Rules