I know this is one of the niggling questions that sticks in the back of writers’ minds while writers are writing. Did I just say that? Actually, I have to admit that it’s one of the questions that has played around in the back of this writer’s/editor’s mind while I’m writing. If you say you’ve never questioned yourself when deciding to write either who or whom… I don’t believe you. Just saying.
The question of who or whom has been a cantankerous issue from time.
I’m gong to give a quick Cliff Notes version here. I’m hoping that this post will be able to serve as a resource that someone can look up quickly any time in the future.
The long and the short of it is… whether you use “who” or “whom” depends on whether you’re referring to the subject or object of a sentence.
“Whom” is an objective pronoun, like “him,” “her,” “it”, “us,” and “them.” You use it when the pronoun is the object of a clause.
“Who” is a subjective pronoun, like “he,” “she,” “it,” “we,” and “they.” It’s used when the pronoun acts as the subject of a clause.
So, essentially, what you need to remember is to substitute “who” for “she” or “he,” and substitute “whom” for “her” or “him.”
And that is that. How about it, WG2E folks? Has the who vs. whom thing caused any annoyance over the course of your writing life?
Got it, Edit Dude, and thank u!
Isn’t there some kinda rule about using “whom” for non-humans too? So when describing an object or animal, for example, you’d use whom?
Hi, D.D.!
You’re right. When you talk about things, you use “that” instead of “who.” The same goes for animals unless you’re speaking about an individual animal such as a pet with a name. Then you would use “wh0.”
Hey Edit Dude! Explaining this to authors has haunted editors for quite some time…good job.
I find that a few (fun) examples usually help. I suggest the following link for easy tips.
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/who-versus-whom.aspx
Thanks, Monica!
You’re right about the examples. I usually include a few. I must have had a bit of a brain hiccup.
Thanks for the link! I love Grammar Girl.
Shall have to remember this, as I always get confused by this. This is such an easier way to remember it. Thanks so much.
Hi, Julie!
You’re very welcome. I’ve found it to be a handy little mnemonic device.
Have a great day!
Great, informative post ! Thanks.