Navigating the difference between “who” and “whom” can sometimes feel like a grammar maze, leaving even the most confident speakers second-guessing themselves. It’s not surprising—these two words, while similar, serve distinct roles in sentences.
And yet, the right answer isn’t always clear to everyone. In everyday conversation, “whom” often gets replaced with “who,” but does that make it correct? Or are there situations where correct grammar still matters, particularly in more formal contexts?
This article will break down the rules in a clear, straightforward way, helping you use “who” and “whom” like a pro.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of when to use each word and why it matters. Plus, you’ll learn a simple trick to make sure you always pick the right one, even in tricky situations.
Understanding the Difference Between “Who” and “Whom”
“Who” and “whom” are both pronouns that refer to people. However, their use depends on their role in a sentence. The key difference? “Who” is used as a subject pronoun, while “whom” is used as an object pronoun. Let’s break down what that means.
Who: The Subject Pronoun
“Who” functions as the subject of a sentence—the person performing the action. If you’re talking about the doer of the action, “who” is your word.
Example:
- Who is coming to dinner?
Here, “who” is the subject because they are the one performing the action of coming.
Whom: The Object Pronoun
On the other hand, “whom” is used when referring to the object of a verb or preposition—the person receiving the action.
Example:
- To whom did you give the book?
In this case, “whom” is the object because they are the one receiving the book.
Understanding this distinction is key to mastering the use of “who” and “whom.”
When to Use “Who”
Let’s dive deeper into the correct usage of “who.” You should use “who” when you’re referring to the subject of the sentence. If the person or group of people are performing an action or being described, “who” is your go-to pronoun. Here’s how to identify when to use “who”:
Examples of “Who” in Action:
- Who is calling me at this hour?
In this sentence, “who” is the subject because the person calling is performing the action. - Who wants to go to the movies with me?
Here, the subject is asking a question about the person or people who are performing the action of wanting to go to the movies. - Who will lead the team in the upcoming project?
Again, “who” is the subject of the sentence. The person who will lead is performing the action of leading the team.
When to Use “Whom”
Now that we’ve established the role of “who,” it’s time to tackle “whom.” You’ll use “whom” when the person or group is the object of the action. This could mean they’re receiving the action of a verb or the object of a preposition.
Examples of “Whom” in Action:
- To whom did you send the invitation?
Here, “whom” is the object because the invitation is being sent to them. - For whom was the song written?
In this example, “whom” serves as the object of the preposition “for.” - Whom should I contact regarding my inquiry?
In this case, the person being contacted is the object of the verb “contact.”
The Simple Trick to Always Get It Right
You might be thinking: “Is there an easier way to remember when to use ‘who’ vs. ‘whom’?” The answer is yes! There’s a simple trick you can use that’s both practical and easy to follow. It’s called the he/him test.
How the He/Him Test Works:
- If you can replace the word with “he” (a subject pronoun), then “who” is correct.
- If you can replace it with “him” (an object pronoun), then “whom” is correct.
Let’s look at a couple of examples to see how this works in practice.
Examples with the He/Him Test:
- Who is coming to dinner?
Can you replace “who” with “he”? “He is coming to dinner.” Yes, it works, so “who” is correct. - To whom did you give the book?
Can you replace “whom” with “him”? “I gave the book to him.” Yes, it works, so “whom” is correct.
This quick trick will save you from any confusion and ensure you’re using the right pronoun in every situation.
Common Mistakes and Exceptions
While the who vs. whom debate may seem straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that even seasoned writers and speakers make. One of the biggest issues? People often use “who” when “whom” is technically the correct choice. Here’s why:
Why “Whom” is Disappearing from Casual Speech
In today’s world, “whom” has become somewhat formal and rare in everyday conversation. Many people opt for “who” instead, even when “whom” is the grammatically correct choice. In fact, whom is increasingly being replaced by who in informal speech, and this trend isn’t likely to stop anytime soon. However, in formal writing—like in legal documents, professional correspondence, or academic papers—correct usage is still expected.
The Evolution of Language:
Language evolves, and in many contexts, “who” is now accepted in place of “whom,” especially in less formal settings. So, if you use “who” in casual conversation, you’re not necessarily wrong. But remember, if you want to sound polished and professional, it’s important to know when to use “whom.”
Why Correct Grammar Still Matters in Professional Settings
While language evolves, correct grammar still matters, particularly in professional settings. Whether you’re writing a business email, applying for a job, or drafting a legal document, using “whom” correctly can help you come across as more authoritative and meticulous. Let’s look at a few examples where it’s crucial to get it right:
Examples in Professional Writing:
- Whom should I send the report to?
This is a formal query, and using “whom” ensures you sound professional and knowledgeable. - To whom it may concern,
This phrase is common in cover letters, business letters, and official communications. It’s more formal and is still widely expected in professional contexts.
Using correct grammar builds trust with your audience and ensures you convey authority and expertise in your field.
Practical Tips for Using “Who” and “Whom” in Everyday Writing
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some practical tips to help you use “who” and “whom” effortlessly in your everyday writing.
- When in doubt, keep it simple: If you’re unsure, use “who.” For most casual situations, “who” will suffice.
- Practice the he/him test: As mentioned, the he/him test is a quick and reliable way to check if you’re using the correct pronoun.
- Read aloud: If you’re still unsure, read your sentence aloud. Sometimes hearing the sentence can help you decide which word sounds more natural.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Want to test what you’ve learned? Here’s a mini quiz to help you practice using “who” and “whom.” Fill in the blanks with the correct word.
- _____ is the person responsible for the mistake?
- To _____ should I send this letter?
- _____ will be leading the meeting tomorrow?
- For _____ is this gift intended?
Check your answers below:
- Who
- Whom
- Who
- Whom
FAQs: Who to Contact or Whom to Contact? (Correct Version)
1. What is the correct phrase: “Who to contact” or “Whom to contact”?
The correct phrase is “whom to contact” because “whom” is the object of the verb “contact.” However, in casual conversation, many people say “who to contact”, and it is often accepted in informal contexts.
2. Why is “whom” correct in this case?
“Whom” is used because it functions as the object of the verb “contact”. Since you are contacting someone (they are receiving the action), “whom” is grammatically correct.
3. When is it okay to use “who to contact” instead?
While “whom to contact” is grammatically correct, “who to contact” is widely used in everyday speech and informal writing. If you’re writing a formal document or a professional email, it’s best to use “whom.”
4. How can I easily remember when to use “who” or “whom”?
Use the he/him test:
- If you can replace it with “he”, use “who”.
- If you can replace it with “him”, use “whom.”
Example: - “Whom should I contact?” → “I should contact him.” (Him = Whom)
- “Who is calling?” → “He is calling.” (He = Who)
5. Is “Whom should I contact?” a correct sentence?
Yes, “Whom should I contact?” is grammatically correct because “whom” is the object of “contact.”
6. Why do people rarely use “whom” in everyday language?
“Whom” sounds formal and is often replaced with “who” in casual speech. Many native speakers don’t strictly follow grammar rules in conversation, making “who” more common.
9. Conclusion
Navigating “who” vs. “whom” doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right understanding and a few simple tricks, you can use these pronouns correctly every time. Remember, “who” is for the subject, and “whom” is for the object. If in doubt, use the he/him test to guide you.
In the world of formal writing and professional settings, getting this right can help you present yourself as knowledgeable, articulate, and polished. So, go ahead and start using these rules with confidence, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this grammar challenge.
