Who vs Whom! (What Is The Difference?)

Author:

Waqas Ashraf

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Who vs Whom! When it comes to using “who” and “whom,” many people find themselves confused. The key to understanding the difference lies in knowing the function of each word within a sentence.

“Who” is used as the subject of a sentence or clause, while “whom” is used as the object.

This means that “who” is used when referring to the person performing an action, while “whom” is used when referring to the person receiving the action.

Understanding this distinction can help writers and speakers use these words correctly in their communication.

Table of contents

Who vs Whom:

When it comes to distinguishing between “who” and “whom,” many individuals often find themselves perplexed. The crux of understanding lies in discerning the role of each word within a sentence. “Who” functions as the subject of a sentence or clause, whereas “whom” serves as the object.

Consequently, “who” pertains to the person performing an action, while “whom” pertains to the person receiving the action. Comprehending this discrepancy empowers writers and speakers to aptly utilize these words in their communication.

Therefore, grasping the similarities and differences between “who” and “whom” is pivotal for effective linguistic expression.

Who Meaning:

“Who” is a pronoun used as the subject of a sentence or clause, indicating the person performing an action. It is crucial to recognize that “who” directs attention to the individual carrying out the action.

When to Use Who?

You use “who” when it serves as the subjective pronoun in a sentence, meaning it refers to the person or thing performing the action described by the verb. Here are some common scenarios where you’d use “who”:

1. As the subject of a question:

Who wrote this book?

Who lives in that house?
Who wants to go to the movies?

2. As the subject of a statement:

The woman who helped me cross the street was very kind.
The student who gets the highest score will win the prize.
Anyone who needs help can raise their hand.

3. As the subject of a relative clause:

The book that I borrowed is the one who won the award. (Here, “who” clarifies which book won the award)
The people who live in this neighborhood are very friendly.

I found a restaurant which serves amazing seafood.

4. After prepositions when referring to the subject:

The person to whom I spoke is an expert.

The book with which I won the prize is a work of fiction.
The team for whom I work is very supportive.

Who in A Sentence:

Certainly! Here are some examples of using “who” in a sentence:

Who is coming to the party tonight?
Do you know who won the competition?
The person who called earlier left a message.

Who is responsible for this decision?
Can you tell me who designed this building?

Whom Meaning:

“Whom” is a formal objective pronoun in English, referring to the person or thing that receives the action of a verb or is the object of a preposition. It’s the less common counterpart to the subjective pronoun “who,” which refers to the doer of the action.

Here are some key points about “whom”:

Function:

Objective pronoun: receives the action of a verb or preposition.

Usage:

Less common than “who” in everyday speech.
Generally used in more formal contexts.

Occurs:
- As the object of a verb: I know someone whom I can trust.
- As the object of a preposition: The award was given to the writer whom everyone admired.
- After certain prepositions, such as “to,” “with,” “for,” etc.: To whom should I address this letter?

When to Use Whom?

The use of “whom” is to indicate the person receiving the action in a sentence or clause. Understanding when to use “whom” is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy and coherence in writing and speech.

By recognizing that “whom” represents the recipient of the action, individuals can convey their intended message with precision and clarity. Therefore, mastering the application of “whom” contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of language and communication.

Whom in A Sentence:

Certainly! Here are some examples of using “whom” in a sentence:

To whom did you give the book?
Whom did you invite to the event?

The doctor whom I consulted was very knowledgeable.
With whom are you going to the concert?
Whom did you speak to about the issue?

Who vs. Whom: What Is The Difference?

Sentence	Function of “who/whom”	Explanation
Who wrote this book?	Subject of the verb “wrote”	“Who” refers to the person who performed the action of writing.
Do you know who wants pizza?	Subject of the verb “wants”	“Who” refers to the person who desires pizza.
The woman who helped me across the street was very kind.	Subject of the relative clause “who helped me”	“Who” provides additional information about the woman.
I know someone who speaks fluent French.	Object of the verb “speaks”	“Whom” would be incorrect here because it’s not receiving the action of speaking.
To whom should I speak?	Object of the preposition “to”	“Whom” is needed because it receives the action of speaking.
The scientist whom everyone admired received the award.	Object of the preposition “whom”	“Whom” is preferred here as it sounds more formal and emphasizes the object being admired.
The book with which I won the prize is a work of fiction.	Object of the preposition “with”	“Whom” wouldn’t make sense here, as the book isn’t performing the action of winning.

Is It Whoever or Whomever?

Understanding whether to use “whoever” or “whomever” can often perplex individuals. The key to distinguishing between the two lies in recognizing the function of each word within a sentence or clause.

“Whoever” serves as the subject, representing the person performing an action, while “whomever” functions as the object, indicating the person receiving the action.

This distinction is crucial for grammatical accuracy and coherence in both writing and speech. Therefore, mastering the application of “whoever” and “whomever” contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of language and communication.

If you find it challenging, consider seeking further guidance or examples to strengthen your understanding.

Final Thoughts! Who vs Whom!

The distinction between “who” and “whom” is pivotal for grammatical accuracy and coherence in writing and speech. Understanding the function of each word within a sentence or clause is crucial.

“Who” represents the person performing an action and functions as the subject, while “whom” indicates the person receiving the action and serves as the object. Grasping this discrepancy empowers writers and speakers to aptly utilize these words in their communication.

Therefore, mastering the application of “who” and “whom” contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of language and communication. If you find it challenging, consider seeking further guidance or examples to strengthen your understanding.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between “who” and “whom”?

“Who” is used as the subject of a sentence, representing the person performing an action, while “whom” is used as the object, representing the person receiving the action.

When Should I Use “who” in A Sentence?

Use “who” when referring to the person performing an action, such as in the sentence “Who is coming to the party tonight?”

When Should I Use “whom” in A Sentence?

Use “whom” when referring to the person receiving an action, such as in the sentence “To whom did you give the book?”

Is It “whoever” or “whomever”?

“Whoever” is used as the subject, representing the person performing an action, while “whomever” is used as the object, representing the person receiving the action.

How Can I Remember when To Use “who” and “whom”?

Remember that “who” is for the person performing the action, and “whom” is for the person receiving the action. Keep this distinction in mind when constructing sentences to use them correctly