Who/Whom

1. Who/Whom An Overview

2. Background • Subject—the thing that performs the action • Verb—describes an action or occurrence • Object—the thing that is acted upon • Example: Martha threw the ball. • Subject=Martha • Verb=threw • Object=ball

3. Who “Who” is a noun It is used when referring to a subject It is the subject of the verb

4. Examples of “Who” • Who knocked on the door? • Subject=who • Verb=knocked • Object=door • Martha is the girl who works in the library. • Subject=Martha/who • Verb=works

5. Whom “Whom” is also a noun It is used when referring to an object It is NOT the subject of the verb

6. Examples of “Whom” • With whom do you drive to school? • Subject=you • Verb=drive • Object=whom • Whom did they look for? • Subject=they • Verb=look • Object=whom

7. Shortcuts • If you are unsure if you should use who or whom, try replacing it with he or him. • If the sentence makes sense with he, then use who: • He went to the store=Who went to the store? • If the sentence makes sense with him, then use whom: • That book belongs to him=That book belongs to whom?

8. Practice Insert who or whom in the blanks to complete the sentences: ________ went to the store? She went with _______ to the dance? To ______ does that shirt belong? Please check to see _______ is at the front door. Last time we went out, with _______ did you carpool? _____ is your babysitter?

9. Answers Who went to the store? She went with whom to the dance? To whom does that shirt belong? Please check to see who is at the front door. Last time we went out, with whom did you carpool? Who is your babysitter?

10. Further Practice • For more examples and practice, see: • Grammar Girl • Grammar Rules • Grammar Monster