Who vs whom
Use who for the subject of the verb in its own clause (I know who called) or after be (who is she?). Use whom, a formal word, for the object of a verb or a preposition (to whom, of whom).
Test its own clause. If him fits, use whom (both end in m). If he fits, or after be, use who.
who pronoun
The person or people who are the subject of the verb, as in who called or who was arrested, or after be, as in who is she.
- Who told you about the meeting?
- The nurse who treated me was very kind.
whom pronoun
A formal word for the person who is the object of a verb, or of a word like to, for or with (to whom, with whom).
- Mr. Patel, whom you met last week, will chair the meeting.
- For whom was this parcel intended?
Watch out
- In everyday English, people often use who where formal writing uses whom, and this is normal. But right after a preposition, keep whom. Or move the preposition to the end: who did you travel with?She is the friend who I told you about.
- Keep whom in fixed formal phrases such as to whom it may concern.
Test yourself
Do you know blank left the door open?
Show answer
who. The person is doing the action, leaving the door open.
To blank should I send the letter?
Show answer
whom. The person is the object of to (send the letter to him), so it must be whom.
The woman blank lives next door is a doctor.
Show answer
who. The woman is the one doing the living, so use who.
With blank did you travel to Spain?
Show answer
whom. The person is the object of with (you traveled with him), so it must be whom.