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Common mistake who (whom)

Common Mistake: Who (Whom)

In English grammar, the misuse of the pronouns who and whom is a common mistake that often leads to confusion and incorrect sentence structure. Understanding when to use who and whom correctly is essential for clear and effective communication.

Who

The pronoun who is the subject form and is used when referring to the subject of a sentence or clause. It is used to ask questions about people and is followed by a verb.

  • Who is going to the party tonight?
  • She is the one who won the singing competition.

In these examples, who is used to ask about the subject of the sentence or to refer to someone as the subject of an action.

Whom

The pronoun whom is the object form and is used when referring to the object of a verb or preposition. It is also used in formal writing and in more formal spoken English.

  • To whom did you give the book?
  • The manager, whom I respect, praised my work.

In these examples, whom is used to refer to the object of the verb or preposition.

It is important to note that in informal contexts, the use of whom is becoming less common and is often replaced by who. However, in formal writing or when a more precise and formal tone is required, it is still important to use whom correctly.

That being said, it can be challenging to determine when to use who or whom in certain sentence constructions. To avoid confusion, you can use a grammar checker tool like Linguix grammar checker to ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and free of such mistakes.

who (whom) mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    With who did you go?

    Correct:
    With whom did you go?

  • Incorrect:
    To who it may concern.

    Correct:
    To whom it may concern.

  • Correct:
    For who is so tolerant of an unjust city, so ironclad, that they can hold back?
  • Incorrect:
    Sarah gave the tickets to who?

    Correct:
    Sarah gave the tickets to whom?

  • Incorrect:
    The hall was filled with students, many of who were girls.

    Correct:
    The hall was filled with students, many of whom were girls.

  • Incorrect:
    Her mother, in who she confided, said it wasn't easy for her.

    Correct:
    Her mother, in whom she confided, said it wasn't easy for her.

  • Incorrect:
    After they found out in who she confided, they told the police.

    Correct:
    After they found out in whom she confided, they told the police.

  • Incorrect:
    After they found out who she confided in, they told the police.

    Correct:
    After they found out whom she confided in, they told the police.

  • Incorrect:
    Depending on who you like more...

    Correct:
    Depending on whom you like more...

  • Incorrect:
    Your victim could be the workmate with who you shared a sandwich from your lunchbox.

    Correct:
    Your victim could be the workmate with whom you shared a sandwich from your lunchbox.

  • Incorrect:
    ... they are not obligated to purchase from who they sold to, and vice-versa.

    Correct:
    ... they are not obligated to purchase from whom they sold to, and vice-versa.

  • Incorrect:
    Growers must always be allowed to do business with whoever they wish.

    Correct:
    Growers must always be allowed to do business with whomever they wish.

  • Correct:
    Her mother, in whom she confided, said it wasn't easy for her.
  • Correct:
    I didn't know the performer, but eventually found out who she was.
  • Correct:
    A search for who we are.
  • Correct:
    As for who I am, you wouldn't believe me if I told you.
  • Correct:
    They are different and they are important because of who they are.
  • Correct:
    Love yourself for who you are.
  • Correct:
    Just remember, the universe reflects back to you who you really think you are.
  • Correct:
    I eventually found out who they met.
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