We use the word "who" quite often in everyday conversations, especially when asking questions. However, "whom" is a word that many people don't seem to use much in modern English, even though it's grammatically correct. For example, instead of saying, "who did they cheat on?" the proper way would be "whom did they cheat on?", but let's face it, "who" is usually the default for most of us.
While "who" might be acceptable in casual speech, especially when emotions are involved or when you’re not focusing on perfect grammar, it's important to remember that "whom" is the correct form when the word functions as the object of a sentence. In formal or academic writing, or even when you want to sound a bit more polished, it's crucial to make the distinction. In this article, I will help you clear it all up and explain when and how to use "who vs whom," so you’ll never get it wrong again
Who vs. Whom: When to Use Each Correctly
The words "who" and "whom" are both pronouns, but they have distinct roles in a sentence. To use them correctly, you need to understand the difference between a subject and an object in grammar.
Who is a subject pronoun, meaning it refers to the person performing the action in the sentence. It works like "he," "she," or "they."
Whom is an object pronoun, meaning it refers to the person receiving the action. It works like "him," "her," or "them."
For example:
Who called you? (Here, "who" is the subject because they are performing the action of calling.)
You called whom? (Here, "whom" is the object because they are receiving the action of being called.)
Understanding this basic subject-object distinction is key to knowing when to use "who" and "whom" correctly.
The Easiest Trick to Decide: "He/Him" Substitution Rule
One of the simplest ways to determine whether "who" or "whom" is correct is to substitute "he" or "him" in the sentence. If "he" sounds right, use "who"; if "him" sounds right, use "whom."
Let’s look at some examples:
Who/Whom should I invite to the party?
Try substitution: "Should I invite him to the party?" (Since "him" fits, use "whom.")
Correct: Whom should I invite to the party?
Who/Whom is making the final decision?
Try substitution: "He is making the final decision." (Since "he" fits, use "who.")
Correct: Who is making the final decision?
This trick works in almost every situation and is a quick way to determine the right choice.
Complex Sentences and Relative Clauses: Where Most People Get Confused
While the "he/him" trick works well in simple sentences, things get trickier in complex sentences, especially when "who" or "whom" appears in a relative clause (a phrase that describes a noun).
Consider this sentence:
"The woman who/whom I met yesterday is my new boss."
To figure this out, break the sentence into two parts:
"I met her yesterday." (Since "her" is the object of "met," use "whom.")
Correct sentence: "The woman whom I met yesterday is my new boss."
Now, consider another sentence:
"The woman who/whom runs this company is very successful."
Again, break it down:
"She runs this company." (Since "she" is the subject, use "who.")
Correct sentence: "The woman who runs this company is very successful."
This rule applies whenever "who" or "whom" appears in a clause that provides additional information about a noun.
Does "Whom" Really Matter in Everyday English? Formal vs. Informal Use
While using "whom" correctly is grammatically precise, it is becoming less common in everyday speech. Many native English speakers use "who" in almost all situations, even when "whom" is technically correct.
For example, people often say:
"Who are you talking to?"
Instead of the grammatically correct but very formal:"To whom are you talking?"
In casual conversations, using "whom" can sound overly formal or unnatural. However, in professional writing, academic essays, or formal speeches, using "whom" correctly can improve clarity and show attention to detail.
When to Use "Whom" in Formal Writing
If you’re writing a cover letter, business email, or academic paper, it's best to use "whom" correctly to maintain professionalism. For example:
"To whom it may concern" (This phrase is commonly used in formal letters.)
"The applicant whom we selected has extensive experience in the field."
When It’s Okay to Use "Who" Informally
In everyday conversations, blogs, or social media posts, it’s perfectly fine to use "who" instead of "whom," as long as your meaning is clear.
By understanding the rules and knowing when to follow them strictly, you can decide when to use "whom" for precision and when to use "who" for natural, conversational flow.
WPS AI Spell Check: Perfect your Grammar
Many people struggle with "who" vs. "whom" because in everyday conversation, "who" is commonly used for both subjects and objects, making it difficult to remember the specific grammatical rules. The key difference is that "who" is used when the person is the subject of the sentence, while "whom" is used when they are the object. For instance, "Who is coming to the party?" versus "Whom did you invite to the party?" Despite the rules, "whom" sounds formal and is rarely used in casual speech, which is why it’s often overlooked or misused.
This is where WPS Office’s AI-powered spell check can be incredibly helpful. WPS Office doesn’t just check for basic spelling mistakes—it understands context and helps you with complex grammar issues like "who" vs. "whom." When you're writing, WPS AI Spell Check will flag potential errors, such as using "who" when "whom" is required, and offer suggestions for improvement. This ensures that your writing is not only grammatically correct but also polished and professional, making it easier for you to avoid common mistakes and improve your overall writing.
How to Use WPS Office AI Spell Check
Here’s how you can use the AI spell check feature in WPS Office to ensure you never get "who" and "whom" wrong:
Step 1: Start by opening your document in WPS Writer and selecting the “Review” tab from the top menu.
Step 2: Click on “AI Spell Check” within the Review section to activate the AI-powered correction tool.
Step 3: A side panel will open, showing all suggested edits. To save time, simply hit "Accept All" to apply all corrections instantly.
Step 4: If you prefer to review changes individually, click on any word underlined in red. The correct suggestion will appear, press "Accept" to apply the fix.
How to Download WPS Office AI Spell Checker
A smoother writing experience began with the WPS Office AI Spell Checker, and it was easy to get up and running:
Step 1: Launch your web browser and go to the WPS Office website to download the setup file.
Step 2: For the next step, simply click the "Get it Now" button to begin with the downloading process.
Step 3: The file will download automatically. Once finished, double-click the file to start installing WPS Office.
Step 4: After the installation is done, simply open WPS Office and start using it.
FAQs
1. Can "who" and "whom" be used interchangeably?
No, they cannot be swapped without affecting the correctness of a sentence. "Who" functions as the subject performing the action, while "whom" acts as the object receiving it. Using them incorrectly can make a sentence grammatically flawed, especially in formal writing.
2. Are there exceptions to the rules governing "who" and "whom"?
Yes, there are exceptions, particularly in informal speech and writing. Many native speakers use "who" in place of "whom" in everyday conversation without issue. While this is widely accepted in casual settings, formal writing still requires adherence to traditional grammar rules, where "whom" is used correctly as an object pronoun.
Your Personal Proofreader: WPS Office
We tend to default to "who" without thinking, and this habit is common even among native speakers. However, when it comes to academic or formal papers, you can't afford to get it wrong. Getting the distinction between who vs whom right can be tricky, but it's crucial for maintaining professionalism and grammatical accuracy.
That's where tools like WPS Office’s spell check and writing assistant come in handy. With WPS Office, you can ensure you're using "whom" correctly, especially in professional or academic settings. The tool helps you catch these subtle grammar details, offering suggestions and corrections when you might have otherwise overlooked them. Whether it's the difference between "who" and "whom" or any other nuance, WPS Office makes sure your writing is precise and polished.
