Who vs. Whom

"Who" and "whom" are two words that can trip up even the most confident writers. But the rule that separates them is actually pretty simple. This guide will teach you a quick trick to get it right every time.

The Basic Rule: He vs. Him

Here's the one thing you need to remember:

• Who = he/she (the person doing the action)
• Whom = him/her (the person receiving the action)

If you can replace the word with "he" or "she," use who. If you can replace it with "him" or "her," use whom.

Who: The Subject

Use who when you're talking about the person who is doing the action.

In a Question

• Who called you? (He called you.)
• Who is coming to the party? (She is coming.)
• Who made this mess? (He made this mess.)

In a Sentence

• The person who helped me was very kind. (He helped me.)
• I'm looking for a student who is good at math. (She is good at math.)

A Simple Memory Trick

Who and he both end in a vowel.

Whom: The Object

Use whom when you're talking about the person who is receiving the action.

In a Question

• Whom did you call? (You called him.)
• Whom should I ask? (I should ask her.)
• Whom are you meeting? (You are meeting him.)

After a Preposition (like "to," "for," "with")

• To whom it may concern...
• For whom is this gift?
• With whom are you going?

In a Sentence

• The person whom I met was very nice. (I met him.)
• She's someone whom I've always admired. (I've always admired her.)

A Simple Memory Trick

Whom and him both end in "m."

The Substitution Test in Action

1. "(Who/Whom) wrote this?"
   • Answer the question: "He wrote this." → Use who.
2. "(Who/Whom) did you see?"
   • Answer the question: "I saw him." → Use whom.
3. "The manager (who/whom) hired me..."
   • Reword it: "She hired me." → Use who.
4. "The manager (who/whom) I respect..."
   • Reword it: "I respect her." → Use whom.

A Note on Modern Usage

In casual conversation, you'll often hear "who" used even when "whom" is technically correct.

• Casual: "Who did you give it to?"
• Formal: "To whom did you give it?"

When to be strict about using "whom":

• In formal writing (like an academic paper or a business proposal).
• After a preposition (it's always "to whom," "for whom," etc.).

Test Yourself

Choose the right word:

1. (Who/Whom) sent this package?
2. (Who/Whom) should we invite to the party?
3. The teacher (who/whom) everyone likes is leaving.
4. (Who/Whom) are you voting for?
5. She's someone (who/whom) I've known for years.
6. (Who/Whom) told you that story?
7. The person to (who/whom) you were speaking is my boss.
8. (Who/Whom) do you think will get the job?
9. The author (who/whom) wrote this book is very famous.
10. For (who/whom) is this letter addressed?

Answer Key: 1. Who, 2. Whom, 3. whom, 4. Whom, 5. whom, 6. Who, 7. whom, 8. Who, 9. who, 10. whom

Remember: Who does the action (like he/she). Whom receives the action (like him/her). Master this simple trick, and you'll be a grammar pro!