Who Else or Whom Else? The Correct Version (With Examples)

English grammar can be tricky, especially when it comes to who and whom. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Should I say who else or whom else?” you’re not alone. Many people get confused by these two, and it’s easy to understand why. On the surface, they seem quite similar, but there are some crucial differences in how and when to use them.

In this article, we’ll explain the correct usage of both “who else” and “whom else”. You’ll learn why “who else” is typically the preferred option, when “whom else” might be technically correct (but rarely used), and how you can avoid common mistakes. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide to help you decide between “who else” and “whom else” in various contexts. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident using these terms in both casual and formal situations.

Quick Answer: Is It “Who Else” or “Whom Else”?

If you’ve ever asked yourself whether to use “who else” or “whom else”, here’s the quick answer:

• “Who else” is almost always the correct choice in modern English.
  
• “Whom else” is rarely used, and in most cases, “who else” will sound more natural and conversational.
  

The reason behind this is simple: “Who” is the subject form of the word, and “whom” is the object form. Since “else” implies something extra or additional (in most cases), we’re typically dealing with the subject, not the object. This is why “who else” feels like the natural fit in most everyday situations.

Quick Table:

Phrase	Correct?	Example
Who else	✅ Yes	“Who else is coming to the meeting?”
Whom else	⚠️ Rare	“Whom else should I invite to the event?”

Understanding the Basics: “Who” vs. “Whom”

Before diving deeper into the “who else” vs. “whom else” confusion, it’s essential to understand the difference between who and whom.

What is “Who”?

“Who” is a subject pronoun—it refers to the person doing the action in the sentence. When you use “who,” you’re asking about the subject of the action.

Example:

• “Who called me last night?”
  
  • Here, “who” refers to the person who did the action of calling.
    

What is “Whom”?

On the other hand, “whom” is an object pronoun—it refers to the person who receives the action in the sentence. This is the word you use when someone is being acted upon.

Example:

• “To whom did you send the letter?”
  
  • Here, “whom” is the person receiving the action of sending.
    

How to Remember?

Here’s a simple trick: If you can replace who with he/she, use who. If you can replace it with him/her, use whom. It’s as simple as that.

Examples:

• “Who called you?” → “He called you.”
  
  • “Who” is correct because you can replace it with “he.”
    
• “Whom did you call?” → “You called him.”
  
  • “Whom” is correct because you can replace it with “him.”
    

Why “Who Else” Is Almost Always Right

Now that we know the basic difference between “who” and “whom”, let’s focus on why “who else” is the right choice in most cases.

Who Else = Subject (Action Doer)

When you ask “who else”, you’re usually asking about the subject of the action—the person who is doing something. Since “else” implies that there are other people involved, you’re generally looking for someone who will perform the action.

“Who else” is appropriate because we are asking about the subject in most sentences.

Example:

• “Who else is coming to dinner?”
  
  • Here, you’re asking about the subject—the person who is coming to dinner.
    

Who Else in Different Contexts

Let’s look at who else in various situations, whether it’s formal, informal, or conversational.

• Informal:
  
  • “Who else wants coffee?”
    
  • “Who else has a suggestion?”
    
• Formal:
  
  • “Who else will be attending the event tomorrow?”
    
  • “Who else should be invited to the conference?”
    

“Who else” remains the correct choice in all these situations because you’re referring to who will perform an action.

The Exception: When “Whom Else” Might Be Technically Correct

While “who else” is the correct choice in almost every case, there are a few instances where “whom else” might technically be correct, though it’s quite rare.

Formal Situations

“Whom else” is used in formal or scholarly contexts where precision is essential. Specifically, it can appear when you are asking about the object of the sentence, typically in more structured or formal settings.

For instance, it can show up when following a preposition like “to,” “for,” or “with,” or in passive voice constructions.

Example:

• “To whom else should I address the invitation?”
  
  • Here, “whom else” is correct because it follows the preposition “to,” and “whom” is used for the object of the action.
    

However, even in these cases, many English speakers prefer using “who else” as it sounds more natural.

Example of conversational usage:

• “Who else should I invite to the event?”
  
  • Here, “who else” works perfectly, even though technically, the sentence could be framed with “whom” in formal English.
    

When Not to Use “Whom Else”

Avoid using “whom else” in casual speech or informal writing, as it may come off as overly formal or outdated. “Who else” will usually feel more appropriate and more conversational.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes people make with “who else” and “whom else” is misapplying whom when it’s not needed.

Mistake #1: Using “Whom” in the Wrong Context

Many people mistakenly believe that “whom” is always the correct choice in formal contexts. While “whom” is technically correct in some formal situations, it’s important to remember that “who else” is generally the correct and natural choice.

Example:

• Incorrect: “To whom else will you speak at the party?”
  
• Correct: “Who else will you speak to at the party?”
  

Mistake #2: Overuse of “Whom” in Casual Speech

Using “whom” too often in casual speech can make you sound overly stiff or pretentious. Stick to “who else” unless you’re in a highly formal setting.

Example:

• Incorrect: “Whom else can I call to help with this?”
  
• Correct: “Who else can I call to help with this?”
  

How to Easily Decide Between “Who Else” and “Whom Else”

Knowing when to use “who else” and “whom else” can be challenging. But with a simple process, you can make the decision quickly.

Step-by-Step Decision Guide

1. Identify the verb in the sentence.
   
2. Determine the subject—is it the person performing the action, or the person receiving it?
   
3. Test with “he/she” or “him/her”:
   
   • If you can use “he” or “she” in place of who, use “who else.”
     
   • If you can use “him” or “her”, then “whom else” is technically correct.
     

By following this simple rule, you can quickly determine whether “who else” or “whom else” fits your sentence.

Real-World Usage Examples

Let’s dive into a few real-world examples to see how “who else” and “whom else” function in everyday conversations, emails, and even professional writing.

Informal Conversations

• “Who else is coming to the party?”
  
• “Who else has seen this movie?”
  

Formal Communication

• “To whom else should I send the letter?”
  
• “Whom else should be notified about the changes?”
  

These examples show the versatility of “who else” in everyday life, while also highlighting how “whom else” might show up in more formal communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is “Whom Else” Ever Grammatically Correct?

Yes, but only in very formal writing or speech, especially when used after a preposition (like to, with, or for).
Example: “To whom else should the letter be addressed?”

However, most modern speakers prefer “who else” even in these situations, because it sounds more natural.

Q2: Why Does “Who Else” Sound More Natural Than “Whom Else”?

“Who else” is used far more commonly in everyday English because it acts as the subject of a sentence—doing the action.
“Whom else” sounds formal and old-fashioned to most people, which is why it’s rarely used outside of legal, academic, or extremely formal contexts.

Q3: Can I Use “Whom Else” in Casual Speech?

Technically, you can, but it will sound awkward or overly formal.
In casual conversations, emails, or messaging, stick with “who else” to sound natural and fluent.

Q4: How Can I Know If I Should Use “Who” or “Whom”?

Try this trick:

• Replace the word with “he/she” → use who
  
• Replace it with “him/her” → use whom
  

Example:

• “Who else is joining us?” → “He is joining us.” ✅
  
• “To whom else did you speak?” → “I spoke to him.” ✅
  

Q5: Is “Whom Else” Considered Outdated?

Not entirely, but it’s rare and formal. Most native speakers use “who else” in both spoken and written English.
Using “whom else” might be technically correct in some settings, but it can come across as stilted or unnatural in modern usage.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

When in doubt, always opt for “who else”. It’s the natural, modern choice for most situations. While “whom else” is technically correct in formal contexts, it’s rarely necessary and can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation.

By understanding the difference between who and whom, and knowing when to use “who else” or “whom else”, you’ll improve your writing and speaking confidence. So, next time you’re writing an email, chatting with a friend, or speaking professionally, remember to use “who else”—it’s the right choice nearly every time.