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Who or Whom?

No, this is not an owl impression.  These are two words so controversially similar, they’ve sparked debate among the most esteemed of writers and educators.

Both of these words serve as pronouns (words that can be substituted for nouns or noun phrases defined by context).

*Who – What or which person or persons. “Who was that man running down the street?”

*Whom – Objective of who to be used the object of a verb when asking a question or relative, which is a word making reference to another with context.  “With whom did you speak to when you last called here?”

Who can also be used as a function word to introduce a relative, “my father, who is a lawyer, never reacted badly to stress”. There is another version of who, that like whom, can be used when asking a question.  “Whoever broke the vase is in big trouble.”

Whom fun fact:  Did you know writers the world over for a long time (1870 to present day), thought that usage of the word whom would disappear as it’s mostly familiar in Shakespearean and, even older, a biblical turn of phrase.  However, this debate is still ongoing.

“It Matters How You Say It!”

If you need writing or editing assistance with the very confusing English language rules, contact the professionals at Writing It Right For You. We’re here to help because “It Matters How You Say It”!