"Who" vs. "Whom"

Deciphering "Who" vs. "Whom" in British English Grammar

Understanding the correct usage of "who" and "whom" is a common challenge in British English grammar. These pronouns are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct functions depending on their role in a sentence. This blog post aims to clarify when to use "who" and "whom" with clear explanations and examples.

Using "Who": "Who" is used as a subject pronoun, referring to the person performing an action or being described in the sentence. Examples include:

• "Who is coming to the party?"

• "The man who wrote the book is famous."

In these examples, "who" introduces the subject of the verb.

Using "Whom": "Whom" is used as an object pronoun, referring to the person who receives the action of the verb or who is the object of a preposition. Examples include:

• "To whom did you give the book?"

• "The artist, whom everyone admires, is exhibiting her work."

In these sentences, "whom" follows a preposition or directly receives the action of the verb.

Common Confusion: The confusion often arises because modern English tends to use "who" more frequently, even in contexts where "whom" might technically be more grammatically correct. Many people avoid using "whom" altogether due to uncertainty about its correct placement in a sentence.

Tips for Correct Usage:

• Determine whether the pronoun is functioning as a subject or object in the sentence.

• If the pronoun is the subject of a verb or clause, use "who."

• If the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, use "whom."

Mastering the distinction between "who" and "whom" enhances the precision and clarity of your writing in British English. By understanding their roles and practising with examples, you can confidently use these pronouns to communicate effectively.