Difference between Who and Whom
The English language can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to using pronouns correctly. One common area of confusion is the difference between “who” and “whom.” Both are relative pronouns used to introduce clauses that provide additional information about a noun or a noun phrase. However, their usage depends on the grammatical context and the role they play in a sentence.
In general, “who” is used as the subject of a clause, while “whom” is used as the object of a verb or a preposition. To determine whether to use “who” or “whom,” you can follow a simple rule: if the pronoun is the subject of the clause, use “who”; if it is the object of a verb or preposition, use “whom.”
Let’s take a look at some examples to illustrate this difference:
1. Subject of a clause:
Who was the person that won the award?
In this sentence, “who” is the subject of the clause “that won the award.” It is asking for information about the person who won the award.
2. Object of a verb:
They are interviewing the candidate whom they think is the best fit for the job.
Here, “whom” is the object of the verb “interviewing.” It refers to the candidate that they are interviewing.
3. Object of a preposition:
Can you tell me the name of the person with whom we met last night?
In this case, “whom” is the object of the preposition “with.” It is asking for the name of the person that they met last night.
It is important to note that “whom” is often considered outdated or formal in modern English. Many native speakers use “who” in all situations where “whom” would be grammatically correct. However, using “whom” correctly can still make your writing sound more polished and formal.
In conclusion, the difference between “who” and “whom” lies in their grammatical roles within a sentence. By following the rule of using “who” as the subject and “whom” as the object, you can ensure that your sentences are both grammatically correct and clear. While “whom” may be less commonly used today, it is still an essential part of the English language and can enhance the formality and precision of your writing.
