Knowing when to use 'who' and 'whom' correctly can be a challenge for many people. Both words are pronouns used to refer to people, but they have different grammatical functions.
To determine whether to use 'who' or 'whom,' you need to understand the difference between subject and object pronouns.
'Who' is used as a subject pronoun, which means it is used as the subject of a sentence or clause. It is the one doing the action in the sentence.
Example: Who is going to the party tonight?
'Whom' is used as an object pronoun, which means it is used as the object of a verb or preposition. It is the one receiving the action in the sentence.
Example: To whom should I address this letter?
However, in modern English, the use of 'whom' is declining, and 'who' is often used in its place, even in formal writing. Using 'who' instead of 'whom' is becoming more acceptable, especially in informal contexts.
If you are unsure whether to use 'who' or 'whom,' you can try rephrasing the sentence to see if it makes sense with 'he' or 'him'.
If 'he' makes sense, use 'who.'
If 'him' makes sense, use 'whom.'
Example: Who/Whom did you see at the concert? (Did you see him at the concert?)
The use of 'whom' in this sentence would be more correct, but using 'who' is also acceptable in modern English.
Remember, the most important thing is to communicate clearly. Using 'who' instead of 'whom' may be more natural and easier for your readers or listeners to understand.
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