The English language can be complex and nuanced, with many rules and exceptions that can make it difficult to communicate effectively. One of the most common sources of confusion is the use of “who” and “whom,” two pronouns that are often misused even by native speakers. In this article, we will explore the rules for using “who” and “whom” correctly, and provide examples and tips to help you master the art of subject-object agreement.
Understanding the Basics: Who vs. Whom
Before we dive into the rules, it’s essential to understand the basic difference between “who” and “whom.” “Who” is a subject pronoun, used to refer to the person performing the action in a sentence. On the other hand, “whom” is an object pronoun, used to refer to the person receiving the action.
For example:
- “Who ate the last slice of pizza?” (Here, “who” is the subject pronoun, referring to the person performing the action of eating.)
- “Whom did you invite to the party?” (Here, “whom” is the object pronoun, referring to the person receiving the action of being invited.)
The Rules for Using Who and Whom
Now that we understand the basic difference between “who” and “whom,” let’s explore the rules for using them correctly.
Rule 1: Use Who as the Subject Pronoun
When “who” is used as the subject pronoun, it should be used in the same way as other subject pronouns like “I,” “you,” and “he.”
For example:
- “Who is going to the movies tonight?” (Here, “who” is the subject pronoun, referring to the person performing the action of going.)
- “Who ate the last slice of pizza?” (Here, “who” is the subject pronoun, referring to the person performing the action of eating.)
Rule 2: Use Whom as the Object Pronoun
When “whom” is used as the object pronoun, it should be used in the same way as other object pronouns like “me,” “you,” and “him.”
For example:
- “Whom did you invite to the party?” (Here, “whom” is the object pronoun, referring to the person receiving the action of being invited.)
- “To whom should I address this letter?” (Here, “whom” is the object pronoun, referring to the person receiving the action of being addressed.)
Rule 3: Use Who in Relative Clauses
When “who” is used in relative clauses, it should be used as the subject pronoun, even if it appears to be the object of the clause.
For example:
- “The person who is standing over there is my friend.” (Here, “who” is the subject pronoun, referring to the person performing the action of standing.)
- “The book, which was written by the author who won the Pulitzer Prize, is a bestseller.” (Here, “who” is the subject pronoun, referring to the person performing the action of winning.)
Rule 4: Use Whom in Prepositional Phrases
When “whom” is used in prepositional phrases, it should be used as the object pronoun, even if it appears to be the subject of the clause.
For example:
- “To whom should I address this letter?” (Here, “whom” is the object pronoun, referring to the person receiving the action of being addressed.)
- “The person to whom I am speaking is my boss.” (Here, “whom” is the object pronoun, referring to the person receiving the action of being spoken to.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now that we’ve explored the rules for using “who” and “whom,” let’s take a look at some common mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Using Who Instead of Whom
One of the most common mistakes is using “who” instead of “whom” as the object pronoun.
For example:
- “Who did you invite to the party?” (Here, “who” is incorrectly used as the object pronoun. The correct sentence should use “whom.”)
- “The person who I am speaking to is my boss.” (Here, “who” is incorrectly used as the object pronoun. The correct sentence should use “whom.”)
Mistake 2: Using Whom Instead of Who
Another common mistake is using “whom” instead of “who” as the subject pronoun.
For example:
- “Whom is going to the movies tonight?” (Here, “whom” is incorrectly used as the subject pronoun. The correct sentence should use “who.”)
- “The person whom is standing over there is my friend.” (Here, “whom” is incorrectly used as the subject pronoun. The correct sentence should use “who.”)
Conclusion
Mastering the art of subject-object agreement is essential for effective communication in the English language. By understanding the rules for using “who” and “whom,” you can avoid common mistakes and express yourself with confidence and clarity. Remember to use “who” as the subject pronoun and “whom” as the object pronoun, and don’t be afraid to practice and seek feedback to improve your skills.
Additional Tips and Resources
If you’re looking for additional tips and resources to help you master the art of subject-object agreement, here are a few suggestions:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using “who” and “whom” correctly, the more comfortable you’ll become with the rules.
- Read widely: Reading books, articles, and other materials can help you see how “who” and “whom” are used in context.
- Seek feedback: Ask a friend or teacher to review your writing and provide feedback on your use of “who” and “whom.”
- Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help you learn and practice using “who” and “whom” correctly, including grammar guides, quizzes, and exercises.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can become a master of subject-object agreement and take your writing and communication skills to the next level.
Final Thoughts
The rules for using “who” and “whom” may seem complex and nuanced, but with practice and patience, you can master the art of subject-object agreement. Remember to use “who” as the subject pronoun and “whom” as the object pronoun, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback and practice regularly. With time and effort, you’ll become a confident and effective communicator, able to express yourself with clarity and precision.
What is the difference between who and whom, and how do I know which one to use?
The difference between who and whom lies in their grammatical function. “Who” is a subject pronoun, used as the subject of a sentence or clause, whereas “whom” is an object pronoun, used as the object of a verb or preposition. To determine which one to use, try replacing the word with “he” or “him” in the sentence. If “he” sounds correct, use “who”; if “him” sounds correct, use “whom”.
For example, in the sentence “Who/whom did you invite to the party?”, you would use “whom” because “him” sounds correct in the sentence “You invited him to the party.” On the other hand, in the sentence “Who/whom is going to the store?”, you would use “who” because “he” sounds correct in the sentence “He is going to the store.” By applying this simple trick, you can ensure that you’re using the correct word in your sentences.
What are some common mistakes people make when using who and whom?
One common mistake people make is using “who” as the object of a verb or preposition. For instance, in the sentence “The person who I met at the party is a friend of mine,” the correct word to use would be “whom” because it’s the object of the verb “met”. Another mistake is using “whom” as the subject of a sentence or clause. For example, in the sentence “Whom is going to the store?”, the correct word to use would be “who” because it’s the subject of the sentence.
These mistakes often occur because the words “who” and “whom” are often used in formal or written language, and many people are not familiar with their correct usage. However, by practicing and applying the rules of subject-object agreement, you can avoid making these mistakes and improve your writing and speaking skills.
How do I use who and whom in relative clauses?
When using “who” and “whom” in relative clauses, the same rules of subject-object agreement apply. If the pronoun is the subject of the relative clause, use “who”; if it’s the object, use “whom”. For example, in the sentence “The person who is standing over there is my friend,” “who” is the subject of the relative clause. On the other hand, in the sentence “The person whom I met at the party is a friend of mine,” “whom” is the object of the verb “met”.
It’s also important to note that in informal writing and speech, “who” is often used instead of “whom” in relative clauses, even when it’s the object. However, in formal writing and professional communication, it’s best to use the correct word to ensure clarity and precision.
Can I use who and whom in the same sentence?
Yes, it’s possible to use both “who” and “whom” in the same sentence, as long as you’re using them correctly. For example, in the sentence “The person who is going to the store is the one whom I asked to buy milk,” both “who” and “whom” are used correctly. “Who” is the subject of the main clause, while “whom” is the object of the verb “asked” in the subordinate clause.
When using both “who” and “whom” in the same sentence, make sure to apply the rules of subject-object agreement carefully. Read the sentence out loud and check if it sounds correct. If you’re unsure, try breaking the sentence down into simpler clauses to determine which word to use.
Are there any exceptions to the rules of who and whom?
While the rules of subject-object agreement are generally applicable, there are some exceptions to the use of “who” and “whom”. In informal writing and speech, “who” is often used instead of “whom”, even when it’s the object of a verb or preposition. This is because “whom” can sometimes sound formal or stilted in casual conversation.
Another exception is in fixed phrases and idioms, where “who” is often used instead of “whom”. For example, in the phrase “for who the bell tolls”, “who” is used instead of “whom” because it’s a fixed phrase. However, in formal writing and professional communication, it’s best to stick to the rules of subject-object agreement to ensure clarity and precision.
How can I practice using who and whom correctly?
To practice using “who” and “whom” correctly, try reading and writing sentences that use these words. Start with simple sentences and gradually move on to more complex ones. You can also try replacing “who” and “whom” with “he” and “him” to check if you’re using the correct word.
Another way to practice is to read books, articles, and other written materials that use “who” and “whom” correctly. Pay attention to how these words are used in different contexts and try to apply the same rules in your own writing. You can also take online quizzes and tests to check your knowledge of subject-object agreement.
Why is it important to use who and whom correctly?
Using “who” and “whom” correctly is important because it can affect the clarity and precision of your writing and speech. When you use the correct word, you can convey your message more effectively and avoid confusing your readers or listeners. In formal writing and professional communication, using “who” and “whom” correctly can also make a good impression and show that you’re knowledgeable about grammar and language.
In addition, using “who” and “whom” correctly can also help you to avoid ambiguity and misunderstandings. For example, in the sentence “The person who/whom I met at the party is a friend of mine”, using the correct word can help to clarify the meaning of the sentence and avoid confusion. By mastering the art of subject-object agreement, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.