The Ultimate Guide to Who vs. Whom
"Who" and "whom" cause confusion for native and non-native speakers alike. Here is the simple rule and the easy test.
The Simple Rule
Who = subject (does the action). Whom = object (receives the action).
| Pronoun | Function | Example | | ------- | -------- | ---------------------- | | who | subject | Who called you? | | whom | object | Whom did you call? |
The He/Him Test
Replace the word with "he" or "him." If "he" fits, use who. If "him" fits, use whom.
Question 1: __ wrote this book?
- He wrote this book. ✅ → Who wrote this book?
Question 2: __ did you see?
- I saw him. ✅ → Whom did you see?
Question 3: To __ should I send this?
- Send it to him. ✅ → To whom should I send this?
Who vs. Whom in Questions
| Formal (who) | Formal (whom) | | ------------------ | -------------------------- | | Who is coming? | Whom did you invite? | | Who said that? | Whom should I contact? | | Who won? | Whom do you support? |
Who vs. Whom in Relative Clauses
Who (subject of the clause):
- She is the person who lives next door. (She lives next door.)
Whom (object of the clause):
- She is the person whom I met yesterday. (I met her yesterday.)
When to Use Whom in Modern English
In everyday conversation, "who" is now acceptable for both subject and object. However, "whom" is still required in:
- Formal writing: academic papers, business letters
- After prepositions: "To whom it may concern," "With whom were you speaking?"
- Fixed expressions: "Whom the gods love..."
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | Whom is there? | Who is there? | | Who did you give it to? | Whom did you give it to? (formal) | | Who are you talking about? | Whom are you talking about? (formal) | | The man whom lives next door | The man who lives next door |
Quick Reference
| If you can answer with... | Use... | | ------------------------- | -------- | | he / she / they | who | | him / her / them | whom |