Grammar Puzzle Solved (39): Who vs Whom – Easy Rule to Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes
Many English learners find “who” and “whom” confusing. The good news? You can master this rule with a simple substitution trick and a clear understanding of sentence roles.
Key Difference Explained with Proof
| Word | Role in Sentence | Replace It With | Proof (Substitution Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Subject | He / She | Who is coming? → He is coming. |
| Whom | Object | Him / Her | Whom did you meet? → You met him. |
✅ Proven Examples with “Who” (Subject)
1. Who is knocking at the door?
- Test: Try replacing who with he or him.
- “He is knocking at the door.” ✅ Sounds correct.
- So, “Who is knocking at the door?” is correct.
2. I wonder who left the book on the table.
- “He left the book.” ✅ Makes sense.
- Who is doing the action → subject → use who.
✅ Proven Examples with “Whom” (Object)
1. Whom did you invite to the party?
- Try: “You invited him.” ✅ Works perfectly.
- Him = object → So, use whom.
2. The artist whom the critic praised became famous.
- Test: “The critic praised her.” ✅ Clear and correct.
- Her = object of the verb “praised” → use whom.
💡 Shortcut Proof: Use “He” vs “Him” Logic
Let’s test this sentence:
Who/Whom are you waiting for?
- Rearranged: “You are waiting for ___.”
- Try: “You are waiting for him.” ✅ Sounds right.
- Therefore, use whom → “Whom are you waiting for?”
This works every time.
🚫 Common Mistake Explained and Corrected
❌ “Who are you speaking to?”
- Let’s test it: “You are speaking to he”? ❌ Sounds wrong.
- Correct: “You are speaking to him.” ✅
- Him = object → correct version: “Whom are you speaking to?”
📝 Practice Sentences with Full Proofs
Let’s walk through these step by step:
1. To ______ should I address the letter?
- Rearranged: “I should address the letter to ___.”
- Try: “…to him.” ✅ Correct.
- Him = object → Answer: Whom
2. I wonder ______ left the window open.
- Try: “He left the window open.” ✅
- He = subject → Answer: Who
3. She met a writer ______ she admires.
- Try: “She admires him.” ✅
- Him = object → Answer: Whom
🧩 Summary Table (with Substitution Proof)
| Sentence | Substitution | Correct Word |
|---|---|---|
| Who is calling you? | He is calling you. | Who |
| Whom did she choose as the leader? | She chose him. | Whom |
| I know the person who made this painting. | He made this. | Who |
| The man whom we met was helpful. | We met him. | Whom |
🎯 Final Tip
Remember:
If “he” fits → use who.
If “him” fits → use whom.
This rule always works and helps you avoid guesswork.
English Poetry by Naeem Ullah Butt: https://englishlitnotes.com/category/english-poetry/page/7/
The Prologue by Anne Bradstreet:
https://americanlit.englishlitnotes.com/the-prologue-by-anne-bradstreet/
First Year at Harrow by Sir Winston Churchill: https://englishwithnaeemullahbutt.com/2025/06/02/first-year-at-harrow/
Subject-Verb Agreement:
https://grammarpuzzlesolved.englishlitnotes.com/subject-verb-agreement-with-or-nor/
