Writing for Grammar: More on Who vs. Whom

There is often confusion about when to use "who" and "whom". If you are unsure, use "who". It is much more common than "whom" and the use of "whom" is considered old fashioned in some circles. However, you will always be right if you remember three rules:

1. Use "who" when it is the subject of a verb.

2. Use "whom" when it is not the subject of a verb.

3. Always use “whom” after prepositions

Remember these three rules and you will never again wonder if it should be “who” or “whom”.

Rule 1. The word "who" can only be used when it is the subject of a verb.

SUBJECT OF A VERB ? What is that?

Verbs are action words like "threw", "drives", "drinks", etc.)
The subject of a verb is the person or thing that is doing the throwing, driving, or drinking.

Peter drives to Ottawa on Tuesdays.
("Peter" is the subject of the verb "drives".)

Helen's boss drinks only soda water.
("Helen's boss" is the subject of the verb "drinks".)

Harrison threw a no-hitter for the Blue Jays.
“Harrison” is the subject of the verb “threw”.

Buendia scored the winning goal.
“Buendia” is the subject of the verb “scored”.

For more on who vs whom, go to Who vs. Whom on Writing Tips at Moore Partners.