IELTS Grammar: How to use who and whom correctly?

Who vs Whom: IELTS Grammar

There are rules regarding when to use “Whom” and “Who”. "Who" is used as a subjective pronoun, and "Whom" is a pronoun with objectivity. This essentially indicates that "Whom" functions as an object in sentences and that "Who" is always the subject of a verb. However, the subject pronoun "Who" identifies the person who performs a task. For instance, "That's the girl who scored the goal,". Here “the girl” was the one who was scoring. Further, it is the topic of "scored." Therefore, the action is given to "Whom”, which is the objective pronoun.

Grammar general rule for who vs whom:

• To refer to the subject of the sentence, “Who” should be used

• To mention the object of a verb or preposition, “Whom” must be used

Please be careful since there is one exception: after a preposition, the beginning of a sentence or clause is the one situation in which you should always use “Whom”. For instance, to whom was that letter addressed? (Not "to who"). Additionally, I'm conducting some research for my teacher, who is currently at a meeting. (Not "for whom").

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Difference Between Who and Whom

"Who" serves as an example of how to understand the subject of a verb in a sentence because it is always employed as a subjective pronoun. On the other hand, the objective pronoun "Whom" is always used as an object in a phrase.

Let's explore the situations in which we must use "Who", which designates the person who acted. To learn more about it in detail, we can say, "That's the girl who baked the cake," as an example. Because the girl does the baking, "Who", in this instance, represents the subject of the verb "baked."

However, "Whom" refers to the verb's object when it is used. It also describes the person who receives an action. For example, to whom it may concern, I am writing to inquire about the employment availability at your organisation. Here, the word "inquire" has "Whom" as its object rather than "employment."

To learn more about the difference between who and whom precisely, let us have a look at the table below:

Who vs Whom: Usage

Who vs Whom can be used in several ways to form a sentence. Let’s learn more about them in this section through some examples:

Usage of  Who in a Sentence

Below are the various ways to use “Who” in a sentence. 

1. “Who” to ask a question can be used as an interrogative pronoun

Here are some instances where you can use “who” as an interrogative pronoun: “Who stole the money from the bank?” and “Who do you love the most in your family?” 

2. Connecting a main clause to a relative clause can be used as a relative pronoun “Who” 

• If the relative clause gives vital information, it remains with the main clause.

• If the relative clause does not give necessary information, it is separated from the main clause with commas. 

“The woman who works at the pharmacy is beautiful.” and “The scientist who discovered the medicine by mistake has received numerous grants.” are examples of using “Who” as a relative pronoun.

Usage of  Whom in a Sentence

Below are the various ways to use “Whom” in a sentence.

1. “Whom” can be used as a verb or preposition object.

• Here are some instances where you can use “Whom would you rather have as a teammate?” or “To whom did you talk today?”  are some of the examples where you can use “Whom” as a verb or preposition object.

2. Connecting the main clause to a relative clause, then “Whom” can be used as a relative pronoun.

• If the relative clause gives vital information, it remains with the main clause.

• If the relative clause does not give necessary information, it is separated from the main clause with commas. 

For Instance, using “Whom” as a relative pronoun, “My father is an intelligent man whom I admire” and “Sana, with whom I study, can speak five languages.”

Also, Check: IELTS Exam Syllabus: Exam Format and More

Who vs Whom: When to Use?

Subject or Object

• To determine whether a pronoun is a subject or an object, replace "Who" and "Whom" with "he," "she," or "him."

• The pronoun is the verb's subject if "he" or "she" makes grammatical sense in the sentence. It is appropriate to use "him" or "her" if necessary because it is an object in the sentence.

Whoever and Whomever

• The specifications that apply to "Who" also apply to "whoever." The specifications that apply to "Whom" also apply to "whomever."

Dependent Clause

• People who want to be identified by their gender can be referred to using pronouns. Relative pronouns give more light on the sentence's subject. As relative pronouns, “Who” and “Whom” denote the noun or noun phrase that comes before them in the sentence.

1. “Whom” example: Many people dislike the new chairman whom we have elected. In the clause “whom we have elected,” the pronoun whom is the object of the compound verb have elected. One would say, “We have elected him.”

2. “Who” example: I am scared of the old woman who lives on Main Street. In the clause “who lives on Main Street,” the pronoun who is the subject. One would say, “She lives on Main Street.”

Begin with a Question

• When asking a question, you can use the terms "Who" or "Whom" as interrogative pronouns. 

• If he, she, it, or they are the subject pronouns, you might begin with "Who."

Who vs Whom: Examples

To help you understand the differences and guiding principles of “Who” and “Whom”, consider the following examples of “Who” and “Whom”.

“Who”

• Who do you think will win the race?

• He is the one who found the hidden treasure in the ancient ruins.

• Who is the author of this book?

• Who won the singing competition?

• I guess because the only one who should be looking at it is my mother.

“Whom”

• Whom did they invite to the party?

• I have a close friend with whom I can share my deepest secrets.

• Whom do you think I should ask for advice?

• The person with whom I went to the concert was a college friend.

• Whom did they invite to the wedding?

Suggested: How to use Adjectives and Adverbs in your IELTS Grammar test?

Conclusion

To sum up, "Who" and "Whom" have entirely different meanings and usage because the first refers to the sentence's subject and the second to the verb or preposition's object. Overall, students must know the significance of context before using these words. Knowing and applying grammar rules carefully can help students to use who vs whom in the appropriate context.

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