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Who vs. Whom: The Easiest Way to Finally Get It Right

By Homam, June 04 2025, 04:49
Do you struggle with these two relative pronouns too?

Many native speakers avoid using whom because it feels complicated — but it’s easier than you think. In this mini lesson, you’ll learn a simple trick to choose the right word every time.

The Basic Rule

Word Use As
Who The subject (the person doing the action)
Whom The object (the person receiving the action)

Examples:

  • Who called you? (Who = subject = doing the calling)
  • You called whom? (Whom = object = receiving the call)

The Simple Trick:

➔ Try replacing who/whom with he/she or him/her. If he/she fits → use who. If him/her fits → use whom.

Examples:

  1. (Who/Whom) did you invite? You invited him → Whom did you invite?
  2. (Who/Whom) is coming to dinner? He is coming to dinner → Who is coming to dinner?
  3. To (who/whom) should I send this email? I should send it to him → To whom should I send this email?

When You Can Skip "Whom"

  • In casual conversation or informal writing, many native speakers simply use who.
  • In formal writing (business, academic, legal), use whom correctly.

Common Situations:

Example Correct Word Why
I don’t know (who/whom) to ask. whom ask him
(Who/Whom) wrote this report? who he wrote
With (who/whom) are you speaking? whom speaking to him
(Who/Whom) is responsible for this? who he is responsible

 

Practice Exercises:

Exercise 1 – Choose Who or Whom

  1. (Who/Whom) called you yesterday?
  2. You spoke to (who/whom)?
  3. (Who/Whom) do you trust the most?
  4. I wonder (who/whom) will arrive first.
  5. She didn’t know (who/whom) to contact.

Exercise 2 – Rewrite these sentences using the correct form:

  1. To who should I address the letter?
  2. Who are you meeting later?
  3. Whom is coming to the party?

Writing Task

Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) about a situation where you had to ask for help or information.

  • Use at least 3 sentences with who or whom.
  • Submit your paragraph for correction and personal feedback.

 

 

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers:

  1. Who
  2. Whom
  3. Whom
  4. Who
  5. Whom

Exercise 2 Answers:

  1. To whom should I address the letter?
  2. Whom are you meeting later? (But “Who are you meeting later?” is commonly used in conversation)
  3. Who is coming to the party?

TIP: If you’re ever unsure, and it’s casual, it’s usually okay to just use who. But knowing how to use whom correctly will make your writing more professional and polished.

  • Homam's picture
    Homam
    About me
    My name is Homam and I live in Montreal, Canada. I speak English and French. I have been working as an English teacher since 2002. I specialize in business English and exam preparation courses. I am also a certified language examiner so I can give you expert feedback on your writing.
    Experience
    I have taught learners of different ages and levels. In the past 10 years, I have also worked with many international companies and helped their staff improve their speaking and writing skills.

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