Use relative pronouns: who and whom

  • “Who” and “whom” are relative pronouns used to refer to people. They help connect a clause to a noun or pronoun, providing additional information.

  • “Who” is used as the subject of a relative clause. It refers to the person doing the action.

Examples:

  • The teacher who is teaching us is very knowledgeable.
  • (Here, “who” refers to “the teacher,” the subject of the clause.)
  • The artist who painted this picture is famous.
  • (In this case, “who” refers to “the artist,” who is performing the action of painting.)

  • “Whom” is used as the object of a relative clause. It refers to the person receiving the action or being affected by it.
  • Note: “Whom” is more formal and often used in writing.

Examples:

  • The woman whom I met yesterday is my neighbor.
  • (Here, “whom” refers to “the woman,” who is the object of the verb “met.”)
  • I have a friend whom you should meet.
  • (In this case, “whom” is the object of the verb “meet.”)

  • Use “who” when you can replace it with he or she.
  • Use “whom” when you can replace it with him or her.

  • Who:
  • The doctor who helped me was very kind.
  • (Replace “who” with “he”: The doctor was kind.)
  • Whom:
  • The doctor whom I thanked is on vacation.
  • (Replace “whom” with “him”: I thanked the doctor.)

  • “Who” is used for subjects; “whom” is used for objects.
  • While “whom” is correct in formal writing, many people use “who” in everyday conversation.

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