Key Difference between “Who” and “Whom”

• “Who” is used as the subject of a sentence or clause.
• “Whom” is used as the object of a verb or preposition.

1. When to Use “Who”

Think of “who” as the person performing the action in a sentence, similar to the role of subjects like “I,” “he,” “she,” or “they.”

• Example:
  • “Who is calling?” (Here, “who” is the one doing the action—calling.)
  • “Who finished the project?” (“Who” is the one who completed the project.)

1. When to Use “Whom”

Use “whom” when it’s the receiver of the action, like “him,” “her,” or “them.”

• Example:
  • “To whom should I address the letter?” (“Whom” is receiving the action—being addressed.)
  • “Whom did you see at the party?” (The speaker saw “whom” at the party.)

Quick Test: Substitute “he”/“him” or “she”/“her” to decide. If you’d use “him” or “her,” go with “whom.” If “he” or “she” sounds right, use “who.” For example:

• “Who/Whom did you meet?” ➡️ “I met him” ➡️ Use “whom”: “Whom did you meet?”

Visual Aid: The Simple “He or Him” Test

If you’re unsure, try this quick swap trick:

• “Who” = He (similar to the subject of the sentence)
• “Whom” = Him (similar to the object of the sentence)

Example:

• “Who/Whom are you meeting?”
  • Check: “You are meeting him,” so use “whom.”
  • Correct: “Whom are you meeting?”

Common Pitfalls and Exceptions

1. Casual Conversation: In everyday speech, “who” often replaces “whom” without confusing meaning, especially in questions. For example, “Who are you talking to?” instead of “Whom are you talking to?” This is generally acceptable in informal contexts.
2. Relative Clauses: When “who” or “whom” introduces additional information (a relative clause), apply the same subject/object rule:
   • “The teacher, who loves science, is retiring.” (Subject of the clause: “who loves.”)
   • “The teacher, whom I admire, is retiring.” (Object of the verb admire: “whom.”)

Practice Time: Fill in the Blanks

Try filling in the correct form below.

1. (Who/Whom) will attend the meeting?
2. I don’t know (who/whom) to trust.
3. To (who/whom) did you lend your book?
4. The person (who/whom) won the prize is here.
5. They couldn’t decide (who/whom) to choose as their captain.

Answers:

1. Who will attend the meeting?
2. I don’t know whom to trust.
3. To whom did you lend your book?
4. The person who won the prize is here.
5. They couldn’t decide whom to choose as their captain.

Pro Tip:

If you ever get stuck, remember: If it’s “him,” it’s “whom.” If it’s “he,” it’s “who.” This simple swap can help you make the right choice every time!