Who vs Whom: A Simple Guide for Correct Usage
If you’ve ever been confused about whether to use “who” or “whom”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common grammar problems in English—even native speakers make mistakes! In this article, we’ll break it down step by step with simple rules, clear examples, and tips to help you always choose the right word. Let’s solve the mystery of “who vs whom” once and for all.
🔍 What’s the Difference Between “Who” and “Whom”?
| Word | Role in Sentence | Used As | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Subject | Does the action | Who called you? |
| Whom | Object | Receives the action | Whom did you call? |
✅ Rule #1: “Who” = Subject
Use who when the person is doing the action in the sentence.
📘 Examples:
-
Who wants tea?
-
Who is knocking at the door?
-
Who called the teacher?
In these sentences, who is the subject doing the action (wants, is knocking, called).
✅ Rule #2: “Whom” = Object
Use whom when the person is the receiver of the action, not the doer.
📘 Examples:
-
Whom did you invite?
-
To whom did you give the book?
-
Whom are you calling?
In these sentences, whom is the object of the verb (invite, give, calling). You are doing the action to someone.
🧠 Quick Tip: Use “He/She” or “Him/Her” to Test
This trick works almost every time:
-
If you can answer the question with he/she, use who.
-
If the answer would be him/her, use whom.
✨ Example 1:
-
_______ called you?
→ He called me. ✅ Use Who
✨ Example 2:
-
You called _______?
→ I called him. ✅ Use Whom
🗣️ Real-Life Bangladeshi Examples
-
Who broke the vase?
➤ আমার ছোট ভাই ভেঙেছে। (He broke it.) ✅ Use Who -
Whom did you meet at Dhaka University?
➤ আমি স্যারকে দেখেছি। (I met him.) ✅ Use Whom -
To whom should I give the exam paper?
➤ স্যারের কাছে দাও। (Give it to him.) ✅ Use Whom
🚫 Common Mistakes
| Wrong Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| Whom is coming to class today? | Who is coming to class today? |
| Who did you talk to? (Informal OK) | Whom did you talk to? (Formal) |
| Whom wants biryani? | Who wants biryani? |
✨ Formal vs Informal Use
In casual conversations, especially in spoken English, people often use “who” even when “whom” is technically correct.
🗣️ Informal: Who did you send the message to?
✍️ Formal: To whom did you send the message?
Tip: Use whom more often in writing or formal situations (e.g., exams, job applications, essays).
📝 Practice Sentences
Fill in the blanks with who or whom:
-
_____ do you love the most?
-
_____ is responsible for this?
-
_____ are you waiting for?
-
_____ made this cake?
-
_____ did the manager promote?
👉 Answers: 1) Whom, 2) Who, 3) Whom, 4) Who, 5) Whom
📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I just use “who” all the time?
Technically, no. But in everyday spoken English, people often use “who” instead of “whom.” Still, for exams or formal writing, using “whom” correctly shows your strong grammar skills.
❓ Why does “whom” sound old-fashioned?
Because it’s more common in formal writing than casual speech. However, understanding and using it correctly is a sign of advanced English knowledge.
❓ Is it wrong to say “Who are you talking to?”
It’s grammatically informal but widely accepted in casual speech. The formal version is “To whom are you talking?”
📈 SEO Keywords to Include
-
who vs whom difference
-
when to use who and whom
-
grammar rules for who and whom
-
who or whom examples
-
who and whom in questions
-
who vs whom grammar guide
-
who and whom for beginners
🧾 Conclusion
The difference between who and whom is all about the role in a sentence. Just remember:
-
Who = subject (the one doing the action)
-
Whom = object (the one receiving the action)
Use the he/him trick to double-check, and you’ll never get it wrong again! Mastering this grammar point will boost your confidence, especially in formal writing or speaking exams.
