Some of Whom or Some of Who? A Detailed Guide to Using These

When you’re writing, clarity is everything. Whether you’re crafting an email, an academic paper, or even just chatting with friends online, you want your ideas to be easily understood. A common question that pops up for many people is when to use “some of whom” versus “some of who”. These two phrases might sound similar, but using them correctly can make a significant difference in how professional and polished your writing sounds.

It’s easy to get tripped up on this one, especially since “who” is so commonly used in everyday speech. But when you take the time to understand the nuances, you’ll be able to write with confidence and clarity, whether you’re in a formal setting or a more casual one.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the differences between “some of whom” and “some of who” and give you the tools to make the right choice every time. So, let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics: Who vs. Whom

Before we dive into the specifics of “some of whom” and “some of who,” let’s take a moment to refresh your memory on the fundamental difference between “who” and “whom.” This will give you the foundation you need to understand when to use each term correctly.

Who is used as the subject of a sentence or clause. It refers to the person performing the action. You can think of it as the “doer” of the action.

For example:

• Who is going to the party? (In this case, “who” is the subject — the person who will be attending the party.)
  

On the other hand, whom is used as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the person receiving the action. Whom can sometimes feel formal or old-fashioned, but it still holds a key place in clear writing, especially in more formal contexts.

For example:

• To whom should I address this letter? (In this case, “whom” is the object of the preposition “to.”)
  

Tip: If you can replace “who” with “he” or “she,” use who. If you can replace it with “him” or “her,” use whom. Keep this trick in mind when deciding between the two.

Is “Some of Who” Correct? Let’s Break It Down

You’ve likely come across “some of who” in casual conversation or even in writing. But is it grammatically correct?

The short answer is no. The phrase “some of who” is not correct. You might hear people say it in everyday speech, but from a grammatical standpoint, it doesn’t follow the rules of formal English.

Here’s why: The word “who” is a subject pronoun, which means it’s meant to be used as the subject of a clause. However, when you use “some of” before it, you’re creating a phrase where “who” should act as the object of a preposition, making “whom” the appropriate choice.

Let’s look at an example:

Incorrect:

• I met some of who were interested in the project.
  

Here, the “who” should be “whom” because it’s the object of the preposition “of.”

Correct:

• I met some of whom were interested in the project.
  

It’s important to note that “whom” is still used in formal writing, even though it may sound a bit stiff in casual conversation. However, getting this right is essential when you want to come across as professional and precise.

“Some of Whom” — When to Use It

Now that we’ve cleared up “some of who,” let’s focus on the correct usage of “some of whom.”

“Some of whom” is grammatically correct and should be used whenever you’re referring to people who are the object of a preposition, as in the phrase “some of” followed by a clause.

Here’s an example:

• I spoke with some of whom were experts in the field.
  

In this case, “whom” is correct because it’s the object of the preposition “of,” and it’s referring to the people who were part of a larger group.

Why “Some of Whom” Works

The reason “some of whom” works and “some of who” doesn’t is all about grammatical structure. When you use “some of whom,” you’re following the correct pattern for object pronouns in formal written English. The “whom” here represents the people being referenced, who are on the receiving end of the action in the sentence.

The Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings

One of the biggest issues when it comes to the usage of “who” and “whom” is the tendency to overuse “who” in place of “whom.” Even though “who” feels more natural in everyday speech, using it incorrectly in written language can undermine the professionalism of your writing.

Here’s a classic example:

• Incorrect: Some of who I met were very kind.
  

This sentence should be:

• Correct: Some of whom I met were very kind.
  

Why is this wrong? Because “who” is being used as the object of the preposition “of,” but we should use “whom” in this context.

Another Pitfall: Overcomplicating Things

In our quest for perfect grammar, we sometimes get so bogged down in formal rules that we forget what makes sense in the flow of a sentence. You don’t need to sound stiff or overly formal when writing—clarity is key.

For example, if you’re writing a casual blog post or a conversation with friends, you might not always need to stick to formal grammar rules. However, if you’re working on business correspondence or academic writing, paying attention to these subtleties can improve your credibility and professionalism.

Examples in Different Contexts

To really solidify your understanding of “some of whom” and “some of who,” let’s go through some examples in different contexts.

Formal Writing (Business, Academic)

In these types of contexts, precision is essential. Using “whom” correctly will enhance your authority and make your writing more credible.

Example 1 (Business Email):

• I met some of whom were key stakeholders in the project.
  

Here, “whom” is used because it’s the object of the preposition “of.”

Example 2 (Academic Paper):

• Some of whom contributed to the study are recognized researchers in the field.
  

Again, “whom” is the object of “of” and should be used to maintain the formal tone of the writing.

Casual Writing (Blogs, Texts, Informal Correspondence)

In more casual writing, like blogs or social media posts, many people tend to skip over “whom” in favor of “who.” However, while this may be fine in some cases, it’s still important to understand when it’s necessary.

Example 1 (Blog Post):

• Some of whom I’ve met online have become good friends.
  

In this context, using “whom” adds professionalism and ensures clarity.

Example 2 (Text Message):

• Some of who showed up were late.
  

While this might sound okay in casual speech, for proper grammar, “whom” should be used when the sentence is edited for clarity.

How to Remember the Difference: Easy Tips and Tricks

If you’re still having trouble remembering when to use “whom” versus “who,” don’t worry. Here are a few simple tips to make it easier.

Tip 1: The He/She vs. Him/Her Test

This is a quick trick to check which one to use. Try replacing “who” or “whom” with “he/she” or “him/her.”

• If the sentence sounds right with “he” or “she,” use “who” (subject).
  
• If the sentence sounds right with “him” or “her,” use “whom” (object).
  

For example:

• Who is calling? (Sounds right with “he/she” — subject form)
  
• To whom are you speaking? (Sounds right with “him/her” — object form)
  

Tip 2: Practice, Practice, Practice

Like anything, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Look at example sentences online or in books and identify whether they use “who” or “whom” correctly. Over time, you’ll start to recognize when one is needed and when it’s unnecessary.

FAQs: Understanding “Some of Whom” vs. “Some of Who”

1. Is “some of who” ever correct?

No, “some of who” is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct phrase is “some of whom” because “whom” is the object of the preposition “of.” While you might hear “some of who” in casual speech, it’s incorrect in formal writing.

2. What does “some of whom” mean?

“Some of whom” is used to refer to a specific part of a group of people already mentioned, especially when those people are the object of a clause or preposition.

Example:
I invited several experts, some of whom will be speaking at the conference.

3. Can I just always use “who” and avoid confusion?

Not exactly. While “who” is more common in spoken English, using it incorrectly in writing—especially professional or academic writing—can make your work look careless. Knowing when to use “whom” shows a strong command of the language.

4. What’s a simple trick to know if I should use “who” or “whom”?

Use the he/she vs. him/her trick:

• If you can replace it with he/she, use who.
  
• If you can replace it with him/her, use whom.
  

Example:
I met some of them → I met him → So, it’s some of whom.

5. Is using “whom” still important today?

Yes—especially in formal, academic, or professional writing. While it may sound a bit outdated in casual conversation, it’s still widely accepted and expected in polished written communication.

Conclusion: Perfect Your Grammar and Boost Your Writing

In this article, we’ve covered the essential difference between “some of whom” and “some of who”. While “whom” may seem old-fashioned or formal, it’s still an important part of clear, professional communication. Mastering the distinction will not only improve your grammar but also enhance your writing’s credibility and authority.

Remember, the key to mastering this is practice. The more you use “whom” correctly, the easier it will become. So, next time you’re drafting an important email or essay, take a moment to choose the right word and sound more polished in your writing.

By understanding the subtle differences between “who” and “whom,” you’re not just following grammar rules; you’re honing your writing skills and improving the overall quality of your communication.